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PHOTOCOPY
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J
PAN DAMAZY
A Comedy in Four Acts
by
/
Jozef Blizinski
Vc 4!- 4:-
Translated from the Polish
by
Elizabeth Mvink Clark
and
George Rapall Noyes
TRANSISTORS ' NOTE
Jozef Blizinski (1827-93) is, next to Fredro, the most faroous Polish
writer of comedies. Fan Damazy (composed in 1876-77) is his
masterpiece. The play has a skilfully constructed plot, but its
peculiar merit is in the presentation of a group of finely contrasted,
well-ro-'nded characters. In particular> Pan Damazy himself, the
rustic squire whose rough, unpolished exterior masks a most upright,
generous, and affectionate nature, is a figure whom the Poles love
to regard as typical of their nation.
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CHARACTERS
Paul Zegoclna
Panl Tykalska. her sister.
Sevxeryn )
) their nephews,
Antoni )
Pan Damazy Zegota
Helena, his daughter.
Bajdalski. a notary.
Genlo, his son.
Manka
Jan, a servant.
The action takes place in the country. In Panl
Zegoclna »s house and garden.
Note.— The names are pronounces Zhe-go-che'-na, Se-ve^rin,
An-to-nyl, Da-ma-zi, Bal-dal'-skl, Ge-nyo (hard g), Yan.
"Zegota" and "Zegocina" are masculine and feminine forms
of the same name. "Pan" and "Pani" are the ordinary
Polish words for "Mr." and "Mrs.", but they carry a trifle
more distinction than their English equivalents, so that
"Pan Damazy" verges on "Squire Damazy." "Zegocina"
(and "Zegota") might be translated "Nettle"; and
"Tykalska", "Easymark."
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PAN DAMAZY
ACT I
The scene represents a room, the main door in the rear
leading to the entrance hall; side doors on either
sld0;__on the left, a little in the foreground, a sofa;
beyond, a writing; desk, etc. ; at the right . a full-
length wall mirror and a window.
SCENE I
SEWERYN is lying on the sofa with a book In his hand, and
smoking a cigarette. ANTONI, also with a cigarette,
is looking out of the window.
SEWERYN. (After a few moments of silence) We certainly
are enjoying ourselves, aren't we?
ANTONI. (Arousln£ himself from his thoughts, in a
J'Q^^^'^S manner) Hmi The quiet of the grave has come over us.
SEWERYN. Which with you is a phenomenal occurrence.
ANTONI. The ideal But listen: we were to go duck-
hiaiting; get yourself ready.
SEWERYN. I don't want to.
ANTONI. (Taking his gun, which is standing at the
rear of the room) Confound youj On my word, what an old
woman they made of you.-- Are you afraid you'll get your
feet wet, maybe?
J,
SEWERYN. -Oil, be quiet.
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ANTONI. Well, well, auntie must have forbidden her
Benjamin to hunt, for fear that he may catch cold, or hurt
hlmself--fbr she has spasms at the very sight of firearms,
(SEWERYN, not answer In/?;, goes on readlnp;.- -After a few
moments) Under such conditions, I should be ready to re-
nounce all my advantages — to be like a child In swaddling
clothes/--Bahi Then you absolutely won't go?
SEV/ERYN. (Ironically) If anyc»5 heard us talking, he
would take you for an enthusiastic hunter, ready to break
your own neck for the sake of a single snipe or woodcock;
and, in the meantime. Instead of strolling the fields, you
have been trudging for three days already, along a most
prosaic highway, tracking an entirely different kind of
game. You think that I don't know,
ANTONI. Perhaps you do know, but not everything. You
come with me, and I'll tell you tiie rest.
SEWERYN. Why certainly, along that road Pan Damazy
Zegota is to arrive with Helena? There nowi Are you
blushing?
ANTONI. I don't Intend to conceal the fact that I look
forward to their arrival with great eagerness.
SEWERYN. Ahal I guessed as much.
ANTONI. Yes, you've guessed, you've guessed! (Looking
around) And if I desired you to accompany me to the fields,
then it was because, profiting by a couple of leisure hours.
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I wanted to vmburden myself to you.-- For you see, my dear
fellow, I need your judgment and advice.
SEWERYN. And you knew that your romance Interests me.
So, tell me, how far have you gone with that little goose?
The old man doesn't suspect anything, does he?
ANTONI. (With animation) Why this tone all of a suddeni
I see that you have an entirely false notion of the relations
between us. I love Helena, you understand; I love her, md
I will marry her- -naturally, if they will give her to me.
SEWERYN. Oh, for the Lord's sakeJ They will be only
too glad to do so] (Rising) But you're crazy.
ANTONI. (As before) Sewerynl
SEWERYN. A fine matchi You've certainly got the
future in mind J
ANTONI. Match, inatch--I'm not after a match, only a
wife. (He sits down and rolls a cigarette. )
SEWERYN. In the first place, she is not pretty.
(ANTONI laughs aloud.) But permit me then: »iB^iy t«if4»g
li«r -in detair, she is above reproach; but for me there Is
something distasteful about her.
ANTONI. Really?
SEWERYN. I give you my word--3eriously. Further, as
I have said, she's a little country goose — I don't say she
Is not all right for a short acquaintance, but married to
heri--And her father--in heaven's name, a common hayseedl
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What sort of breeding could he give her?
ANTONI. An honest one, and that's enough. But, how-
ever^ permit me to say that you're passing judgment by
guesswork. Do you know her well enough to judge? Very
likely you've never even spoken with her.
SEWERYN. I admit that I have made no efforts to do
so. Once I was at their home with my aunt; just In passing,
of course, for you knowy she has no great liking for them.
And so It Is a wonder to me how she's taken a notion to
invite them here, for no reason whatever.
ANTONI. And I can't understand this either. — But
what of it? You are straying from the subject.
SEWERYN. And so we found ourselves there by chance.
What a houseJ What provlnciallsmJ You couldn't sneeze
without their wishing you a himdred years of health.
ANTONI. (With comical dignity) And who sneezes when
paying a visit?
SEWERYN, Be that as it may; as a guest, I felt it
my duty to entertain the girl. But then conversation
lagged, and I didn't know what to chat about. I began
with literature; it didn't work.
ANTONI. Now you're lying.
SEWERYN. Well, she may have had a taste of lt--but
what does that amoxmt toi I mentioned Warsaw- -she had
never been there. Then I began a dissertation on yoimg
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pigs and goslings, on the breeding of young chickens, and
how to cure them of the pip, but it didn't please papa.--
He began to wink and to clear his throat significantly, as
if he feared that I should blurt out something off-color.
ANTONI. Did you have to get off something, in your
usual manner?
SEWERYN. Of course not. On my honor, we v/ere speak-
ing most becomingly. After lunch they proposed a walk, and
since there is no garden there, we went to the cow-shed,
with the girl of course--and with Dziubalska, it seems to
me that was her name. ( Laughing ) Do you know her?
ANTONI. The most honorable woman in the world-- she
brought up Helena.
SEWERYN. Then will you believe that Dziubalska
o]?dered the calves to be taken from the cows, to make cer-
tain that the suckling of the progeny should not excite
any bad thoughts in the yaing lady. It's clear that she
will not even be a good housewife. I don't know what
they are raising her to be.
ANTONI. What silly talki If you knew her at closer
range, as I do, you would be convinced what diamonds of
mind and heart are hidden under that provincial covering,
as you call it.
SEWERYN. (Scoffing) Yes, yes, of course.
ANTONI. (Impatiently getting up) And furthermore.
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I love her, and that's all there is to it--and since, as
I hope, you have exhausted by now your whole stock of
reproaches--
SEWERYN. I am keeping the most important for the last,
ANTONI. For Instance?
SEWERYN. She's poor as a churchmouse.
ANTONI. Ohl
SEWERYN. (Mimicking) Ohi--That sounds goodi--Ohl--
I say, you are romantic. We never shall \mderstand each
other. We differ in too many of our ideas.
ANTONI. It's not my fault, if you have only a piece
of meat inside you Instead of a heart,
SEWERYN. (Rising) My dear fellow, whether I have
a heart or have not, you are -»e* able to Judge. Who
knows whether, at bottom, I am not different than I seem.
ANTONI. Then you are wearing a mask, are you?
SEWERYN. You know that I am dependent upon auntie,
and that in return for her promise to leave me the estate,
something is due her from me.
ANTONI. Well, all this is not quite clear to me.
SEWERYN. When I stand upon sure ground, then It will
be possible to discover something for my heart, but mean-
while--
ANTONI. But meanwhile, because the thing that you
call a heart, you libertine, is merely temperament, you
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can amuse yourself with Manka. — I understand]
SEWERYN. (Looking around) Be stilli What are you
talking about?
ANTONI, Oh, you will have that girl on your conscience.
SEWERYN. (Swaggering) But she's pretty, isn't she?
ANTONI. (Ironically) She has found fine protectlony--
and yet they say that she's some sort of distant cousin.
SEWERYN. (Jestingly) My aunt^ slight^ her a little,
but on the other hand, she has in me —
A
ANTONI. A benefactor--
SEWERYN. That's iti I think of her future//
ANTONI, Are you going to marry her?
SEV/ERYN. ( Laughing as if he had heard something
monstrous) You're a fine onej Only listen to me: ^on't
by any chance talk of this before auntie, for you might
make a mess of it.
ANTONI, Pine intentions they are, that you must conceall
SEWERYN, What's that? You don't know avmtie. Even as
things are, she'd like to get rid of her delicately; she is
urging her to take vows as a sister of charity. The girl
guards herself from such temptations as best she can, but
the slightest suspicion would be enough for her to fall a
victim, . . . /
ANTONI. Choosing between the two evils, since she must
be a victim in any case.
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SEWERYN. Oh, give us a rest, stop Joking. But to
return to what we were talking about a while ago, what sort
of advice did you want of me?
ANTONI. Oh, nothing at present.
SBWERYN. Speak out, please.
ANTONI. Well then, since they are to arrive here, T
wanted to ask auntie to declare my intentions to Pan Damazy;
and since you are in her good graces, I thought —
SEWERYN. Well, if you hope that she will leave some-
thing to you, to you or to Helena —
ANTONI. I see that we shall never get anywhere today
by talking — so goodbye. (He goes out at the rear. )
SCENE II
SEWERYN, alone.
SEWERYN. (Sitting down on the sofa) How irritablel —
(After a moment ) Nevertheless, I coiald swear that he is
counting on some benefits from aiintie. — HaJ haJ — He ia
greatly mistaken. (After a moment ) But after all, who
has the greater right to that property? (Rising) When I
get it, they will say that roast doVoo have fallen into
my mouth. --But will anyone understand how much it cost me
in effort and in self-control?-- ( Jeeringly) He is working,
they say, they call it workl He manages a farm, and does
as he pleases 1 If that is work, then I am worked to death.
I am going through purgatory in life. (Wringing his hands
and gritting his teeth) To suffocate in a mast that is
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heavy as lead, kissing a hand which I should like to bit©
till the blood caine--and they marvel then, when a man who
has gone through such a school, seeks revenge on others!
(After a moment ) Someone is coming] (He lies down again
and takes the book. )
SCENE III
SEWERYN, MANKA
MANKA comes in from the right; and then, pretending that she
does not see SEWERYN, she goes to the mirror and, hum-
ming a tune, arranges her hair.
SEIfVERYN, (Getting U£ from the sofa, he looks around
and draws near her) Manka darlingi
MANKA. (Crying out v/ith pretended terror; OhJ
SEWERYN. (Jumping back) Be quiet, for heaven- s sakei
MA1«CA. You horrid fellow* How can you frighten people
so?
SEWERYN. (From a distance) Only don't you pretend,
pleasei
^lANKA. You appeared xmexpectedly in the mirror, as if
you were a phantom.
SEWERYN. (Approaching cautiously) Do I look so
frightful?
I4ANKA. Hai hal hal
SEWERYN. Be quieti What are you laughing at again?
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MANKA. It seems to me that you are still more frightened
than I, --Well, well, don't be af rald--neither of the aunts
will see or hear us.
SSWERYN. (Sourly) Don't tiry to be funny.
MANKA. Both are in the garden with that guest who
arrived today. (At the window) Oh, look here, please.
SEWERYN. (Drawing near) In the garden? (He clasps
her around the v/aist, and tries to kiss her. )
MANKA. ( Drawing away, seriously) Come, come, what
does this mean?
SEWERYN. (Ardently) Mankal
MANKA. Please don't forget yourself.
SEWERYN. Why are you playing this comedy?
MANKA. (Freeing herself from his embrace) What do you
mean?
SEWERYN. You came here because you knew you would
find me here.
MANKA. (As before) And was I looking for you, pray?
SEWERYN. Your blushes are a witness pt that. You are
flushed all over.
MANKA. (Hiding her face) I'm very sorry.
SEWERYN. And now you pretend sternness. That's a
familiar trick.
MANKA. Pretendl
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SEWERYN. (Kissing her hands) Yes pretend! Don't
youfeyes tell me so plainly?
MANKA. Even If you read In them some weakness for
yourself, that still does not authorize you to treat me in
such a fashion.
SEWERYN* Passion refuses to submit to any restraint, --
Don't you know that I love you?
MANKA. You haven' t given me any proof of it so far.
SEWERYN. You say this?
MANKA. Whoever loves truly, is not afraid of broad
daylight and does not need to surround himself with mysteries.
SE'flTERYN. Am I to blame that you refuse to understand
our situation?
MANKA. I understand that you are not self-dependent,
and that you are under supervision..../
SE'/VERYN. Manka, don't make me angry.
MANKA. I'm telling you just how it is. Otherwise,
should you need to conceal what you say you feel for me?
SEWERYN. I will free myself from this situation. I
must free myself, for your sake....
MANKA. And what then?
SEWERYN. I will start on my own.
MANKA. And then?
SEWERYN. I will create a paradise for you.
MANKA. Then it must be kept a secret from your aunt —
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for she would drive us out of It.
SEWERYN. (Irritated) Mankal
MANKA. Oh, let me aloneJ
SEWERYN. I shall find a means to win my independence;
it will be my sole endeavor. (After a moment, more quietly)
DO you know, my aunt wants to marry me into a rich family,
promising in such case to bequeath me the estate--and on
her own ac count --
MANKA. (Pushing him away and looking into his eyes)
V/hat, what?
SEWERYN. But let me speak — I love you alone, since
you alone have enchanted me.... (Violently) Don't run away,
Don't tease me.... Only one kiss. (Aside, perceiving
ANTONI) He's here againi (He frees MANKA.)
SCENE IV
The same and ANTONI (at the rear)
ANTONI. In my talk, I forgot my cartridges. (He takes
them from the armchair at the rear. Perceiving SEWERYN and
MANKA) Ahai So this couple has wasted no time herel
SEWERYN. (Sitting down) Well, did you shoot anything?
ANTONI. A man never has a more stupid appearance than
when he finds himself where he is not needed. --But it's done
now.
SEWERYN. Are you going back?
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ANTONI. Why, of course. ( Drawing near MANKA) But
profiting by this occasion I feel it my duty to assume for
a moment the role of moralizer. (Taking her hand) Panna
Marya, listen to my well-meant advice. Guard against words
that cannot be repeated before witnesses.
MANKA. (Catching sight of newcomers . withdraws her
hand) Do let me alone. --People are coming, (She goes out at
the left. )
SCENE V
SEWERYN, ANTONI, TYKALSKA (in a modest dress, knitting a
stocking), ZEGOGINA (In black half-mourning) . NOTARY.
They enter from the rear.
J ZEGOCINA. Pine state of affairs] What indecent forward-
ness is this? I was right in maintaining that Pan Antoni
was always the worst example for dear Seweryn; he is the
very picture of his deceased father. --With that frivolous
temperament you will turn out like him, I tell you.
ANTONI. (Seriously) I have already asked you many
times, auntie, to respect the memory of our father.
ZEGOCINA. So really, an atmt may not reprehend a
silly youth even when he conducts himself in such an unseemly
^ The father of Antoni and Seweryn took part in the Polish
insurrection of 1863 against Russia. - Translators.
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fashion in her house....
ANTONI. (As_ before) No doubt you may discover in me
all kinds of bad tendencies, as you always do, auntie, but
you must not dishonor the memory of a man whose worth no
feminine intellect is capable of appreciating.
ZEGOCINA. (To the NOTARY) Do you hear him?
SEWERYN. (To himself) I'm certainly in lucki (He
looks for his hat , )
TYKALSKA. (To ANTONI as he ia_ leaving;) Antonl dear,
what have you done now, you rogue?
ANTONI. Oh, please don't ask me, auntie. I'm shaking
all over. (He goes out at the rear. )
TYKALSKA. (Shaking her finger at him) Oh, you--you--
bad boyj
SCENE VI
SE?/ERYN, TYKALSKA, ZEGOCINA, the NOTARY
ZEGOCINA. The abominable fellow. I Instinctively
disliked him even from his earliest boyhood.
TYKALSKA. Our Antonii Why so?
ZEGOCINA. (In^ tone of lofty condescension) My dear
Tykalska, pray not a word! You're such a credulous person.
NOTARY. You must be eh — eh--eh--far too tender-hearted,
TYKALSKA. My dear sir, I don't suffer from heart dis-
ease. I am not conscious of any palpitations.
NOTARY. Such a disposition often brings us--eh--eh — eh--
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delusions. I can testify from my own experience.
ZEGOCINA. In his face, as well as in his whole char-
acter, Antonl reminds me of my honored brother- in-law--
may the Lord forgive his sinsi (To SEWERYN, who, ta]<:ing his
hat, has started for the door) Where are you going, Seweryn
dear?
SEWERYN. I'm going to look about the farm.
ZEGOCINA. (Kissing him on the head) On the other ttind,
because you're the absolute image of my dear Amelia, who fell
a victim to that union, my beloved child, you have a heart,
and will not be such a man as your father, will you?
SEWERYN. (Kissing her hand) I endeavor always to
repay my aunt for her affection by my behavior.
ZEGOCINA. A dear honest boy; you are my consolation. --
And likewise I think of your future, and I desire that your
brother may be convinced that one must not disregard the
good-will of an aunt who holds in her hands the means to
make happy those who manage to respect her. You will not
imitate him, will you?
SEWERYN. Auntie, please rest assured--
ZEGOCmA. The Lord bless you]
NOTARY. (Taking a pinch of snuff, to himself) Phewl
phewl eh--eh--He's a sly fellow, I swearl
TYKALSKA. (In a low voice to SEWERYN, who is going out)
Q
You should be ashamed, Seweryn dear--you are a bad brother.
SCENE VII
The same, without SEWERYN
NOTARY. A pleasant young gentleman, very pleasant- -
eh--eh--eh--but the former is also pleasant. Both of them
very- -eh — eh- -eh —
ZEGOCINA. Indeed, my dear notary, they are own brothers;
but what a difference, like day and night.
NOTARY. Ey dear benefactress, as a woman with a heart —
you may be misled....
ZEGOCINA. Indeed no, no, the heart does not err.
NOTARY. Kind lady, without boasting, nature has
bestowed on me, in her maternal fashion, that, so to speak--
eh-- eh- -superfluous piece of furniture, so I know a little
about it. The heart, like a real piece of furniture, we
should carry--eh — oh — eh--ln a case, to be taken off only
at solemn moments --otherwise it grows dingy.
TYKALSKA. (Seated a_t one side with her stocking) My
dear sir, what are you chattering about--a heart in a easel
ZEGOCINA. (Compassionately) Oh, Tykalska, are you
attempting to disputel-- (To the NOTARY) But not ?very one
can have such power over himself.
TYKALSKA. (Laughing) As to hide it in a easel
NOTARY. I, without boasting, thanks to that very power.
have developed for myself a philosophic view of the world
and its inhabitants. I look with compassion on the battles
fought every day in the name of interests whlch--eh--eh--
eh--in comparison to the great riddles of infinity, amount
to no more than this I (He blows on his fingers. )
ZEGOCINA. (Adjusting herself to the tone of the con-
versation) Oh, that is true, when you reflect more deeply.
NOTARY. My dear lady, as a notary--eh--eh--eh--a
priest and guardian of the law, I had need of this philosophy.
What it cost me, you may guess for yourself . --But, while I
am, without boasting, by nature a man with a heart, neverthe-
less today, in the fulfillment of the fvmctions of my office,
I am as impartial and inflexible as Cato.
ZEGOCINA. My deceased husband had entire confidence in
you,
NOTARY. And he was never deceived, — ^^t present^ it is
my ardent desire that his wife should inherit that conviction.
(He kisses her hand. ) As a truthful man, I confess frankly
that this thought eh--eh--eh — has brought me here. I judge
that in your position, my dear benefactress, since you are
left alone, the advice of a man, who, without boasting, is
honest, and a friend of your deceased husband, need not be
objectionable.
ZEGOCINA. Indeed, notary, you have anticipated my
desire. You will not believe at what a fortunate moment you
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have come here.
[_ [ NOTARY. I am at your service. (He kisses her
hand. )
TYKALSKA. My deceased Toby left me nothing when he
died, so I have never needed any notaries.
ZEGOCINA. My dear Tykalska, please give us time to
speak of our business at our leisure. --You are such a bore--
you track after us like a shadow.
TYKALSKA. But, my dear sister, I did not know that
I was bothering you. Oh, for heaven's sake, if that's the
case, then I'll leave. (She goes out at the right. )
SCENE VIII
NOTARY, ZEGOCINA
ZEGOCINA. (Frequently going Into ecstacles) Oh, my
dear notary, a widow is a mere orphan J --Being deprived In
a single moment of the support which she had from her hus-
band, she Is at the mercy of other people.
NOTARY. (Kissing her hand, significantly) Dear lady,
in that eh--eh--eh--situatlon, certainly you will not be
left for long all alone....
ZEGOCINA. What are you talking about, notary? Do you
not see my widow's weeds?
NOTARY. Your weeds are only- -eh- -eh — eh- -the symbol
of a transitory condition; in due time the grief-stricken
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spirit needs and has the right to desire consolation — that
is its due.
ZEGOCINA. Oh, notary, I don't think about that.
NOTARY. For the time being--for the time being--I can
vmderstand, of course.
ZEGOCINA. I have other obligations— to fulfill them
satisfactorily is my sole desire.
NOTARY. You have every facility; the deceased Pan
Zegota left his wife in a position assuring her independence.
That joint will, which was always his chief concem--
ZEGOCINA. (Excitedly) It was always his desire, wasn't
it? You yourself are a witness....
NOTARY. I understand your delicate scruples, they give--
en-
Ja;©--eh--eh--flattering testimony concerning your heart. --
After the death of your former husband, his brother, Pan
Damazy, ipso jure, would have taken possession of nearly the
whole inheritance for himself, and the law would have given
you, being without children, only a fourth part of it.
ZEGOCINA. (Restlessly) So that is really how it is?
NOTARY. I am surprised that your husband and you did
not subscribe that document in my presence. Without boast-
ing, I should have given it ray most careful attention, so
*■ A will made by two parties, each securing to the other
his entire property in case of his death.
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- 22 -
that lt3 validity should be indisputable. Of course/ you
and your husband drew it up privately, and not being
acquainted with it, I can not judge how valid it is. Rumors
have reached me that Pan Damazy--
ZEGOCINA. What? What? SpeakJ
NOTARY, —has intimated in a convincing manner that
he knows the rights which he should have to the inheritance,
if this joint will had not been executed^-and at the same
time he has expressed his doubts as to its existence.
ZEGOCINA. Oh, have mercy, notaryl
NOTARY. Oh, don't be afraid! As far as it may be in
my power I will support you with my advice, only, above all,
you must be frank, and have implicit faith in me. (Kissing
her hand) You have wi^j-yeu that document/ ^*-^ ^^ ^
ZEGOCINA. (Weeping) You were a witness to our manner
of living, to the devotion with which I nursed the decrepit
old man, to the patience with which I endured his violence
and caprices.
NOTARY. Kind lady, do you need to tell me that? It
was generally known, that in spite of a considerable differ-
ence in age you were the best, the most exemplary— eh— eh—
eh--wife.
ZEGOCINA. I offered all my sufferings to God in the
hope that they would be set down in my favor.
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NOTARY. And that the deceased would acknowledge these
merits; since--eh--eh--eh--good is never left without a
reward. Those words still ring in my ears, in which, I
speak without boasting, having full confidence in me, he
communicated to me his project for a mutual legacy.
ZEGOCINA. You could testify to that, couldn't you?
NOTARY. That would be entirely superfluous. It will
be enough merely to produce and to legalize the docvunent.
You may depend upon me. (He grasps her hand. )
ZEGOCINA. (Bursting into tears) Notary, help me.^ The
Lord will rewsrd you for it. (She leans her head upon his
shoulder* )
NOTARY, (With greedy curiosity) Do you foresee any
illegality? Above all, I must ask for the will.
ZEGOCINA. (As before, tragically) There isn't any at
alll
NOTARY. Ahl yihi--(He frees himself from her embrace
and paces the room restlessly. )
ZEGOCINA. (Weeping) The old cheati After so many
assurances, so many oathsJ --Didn' t I waste my finest years
with him — marry him, misled by his position? And what
pleasures did I have? I saved evei?y penny, even did without
proper foodi I was the best of wives--a sister of charity,
you might say — and this is how he left mel
NOTARY. (Absorbed in thought ) Hmi This alters the
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- 24 -
state of affairs. You have — eh--eh — eh — only the right to
a fourth part of the estate, — Pan Damazy will receive all.
ZEGOCINA. (Prattling volubly) Pan Damazy, who was
always at odds with my deceased husband, who, when his
brother was to marry me, was not ashamed to dissuade him
from the union, because of dirty self-interest, painting
me in the blackest colors--m©, who married a man consider-
ably older than myself, though I didn't even demand any
agalgimont of property, . . .
NOTARY, (As before) Indeed, your disinteredtedness
at that time--
ZEGOCINA, (As_ before) Fortunately the intrigue was
not successful. --My husband quarreled for this reason with
his brother, although there was a time, when, deceived by
his advice, he wanted to break the engagement and demanded
that I return his first wife's diamonds, which he had given
me, --But our dear brother miscalculated! I was obstinate,
and I refused to give back the diamondsl
NOTARY. (Ironically) And in that manner the marriage
came to pass.
ZEGOCINA. In spite of his wretched brother's plotsl--
Oh, he is a plotter! --You would not believe how he plotted!
And besides, he's a boor, a poverty-stricken sauire, brought
up behind the stove; you would stop up your ears if he began
to tell any of those funny stories of his. --Just imagine.
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he wasn't even at the funerali And now he makes the excuse
uhat xie r<=cwived zcy letter only a week after the ceremony.
Is that my fault? Let him blame the postlofflce, that his
letter was so late. '
NOTARY. To tell the truth- -eh- -eh- -eh- -in such an
eventi It v^ould have been fitting to let him know by
special messenger.
ZEGOCINA. Notaryl Do not accuse meJ (Emphatically)
At such a timei When the hand of God struck me down with
such a dreadful calamity I Could I help losing my head?
NOTARY. One should never lose his head. (After a
moment ) What do you Intend to do now?
ZEGOCINA. Sit down, my dear notary, and listen to me.
(They sit down.) But first of all, tell me, do you consider
me greedy?
NOTARY, My dear lady--eh — eh--oh — everyone, in spite
of God's Commandments, wishes himself better than his
fellow-creatures. --If that is a fault. It is shared by all
people. Nevertheless, there are occasions —
ZEGOCINA, Do you mean to tell me^ that I could live
comfortably on whet the law assigns to me?
NOTARY. Hm--one's idea of a comfortable life depends on
wants and habits.
ZEGOCINA. Oh, if anyone, notary, is accustomed to
comfort, I am, and I must have some needs. My husband, who
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loved me madly, never refused me anything — he fondled me,
he obeyed me, he spoiled me. --However, if you think that
I want this fortune for myself, you are greatly mistaken.
(Gradually growing more and more emotional) Having wasted
the finest years of my life with a man for whom I sacrificed
myself, grov;ing old before my time, I should have been con-
tented with the slightest trinket, and after I had offered
my wrongs to God, I should have withdrawn from the world.
But I am thinking of rny dear Seweryn, of my own sister's
child.
NOTARY. And- -eh- -eh- -eh- -the other one--
ZEGOGINA. I must explain this foible. My sister loved
and married a man who did not know how to appreciate her;
although he appeared to love her madly, he did not hesitate
to sacrifice her for a fancied obligation. All his deeds
were mad, and at last he fled abroad, cutting off any possi-
bility of return, and leaving his wife and his two sons
almost in want. (Resuming her former tone) My husband, who
loved me madly, v/as so honorable that he undertook the care
of my family. When my sister died soon after, he sent
Antoni to school, end later helped him to take over a farm;
the younger, Seweryn, we took into our house to bring up.
NOTARY. (Indifferently) That was very — eh--eh--eh--
laudable.
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ZEGOCINA. If, in the supposition that I should sur-
vive my husband, I ever desired this estate, God vrill not
attribute It to my greed, for It was for that dear boy, who
loves me as his own mother- (Dramatically) Notary, have
mercy, if not on m.e, then on dear SewerynJ
NOTARY (Aside) Dear Seweryn, always dear Sewerynl—
(Aloud) I confess to you that-eh-eh-eh-if I could find
any means whatever, I should be much happier, without boasting,
to do what I can for you, rather than for that youth. But I
do not understand, under the circumstances, what I—
ZEGOCINA. Ah— for I have not told you anything yet—
listen to me. Pan Damazy has an only daughter/x
NOTARY. So, he has a daughter. — (To himself) Hml Hml
Genlo might be able to--
ZEGOCINA. This is how it is. My husband, who, in
spite of disagreements, used to have moments of weakness for
his brother, often expressed the desire that Seweryn marry
her, so that the property should be left in the family^-:
NOTARY. Not a bad ideal If no obstacle shouM present
itself— eh-eh--eh— on either side— for, as far as compul-
sion is concerned--
ZEGOCINA. There, I am counting on you. Try to keep
Pan Damazy as long as possible in darkness concerning the
will; he is a simple man, he will not inquire into the
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- 28 -
state of affairs, and wll] certainly agree when I offer him
an income from a certain part of the estate, assigning' the
rest to him after my death.
NOTARY. (Risinp;, distracted) Hm, hm, I can speak about
it with him, sound him out.--I will go on purpose.
ZEGOCINA. (Rising) You won't need to, you will meet
him here.
NOTARY. I think that it would be better here/^
.. . •
ZEGOCINA. I have invited him to visit me, thereby tak-
ing the first step to reconciliation.
NOTARY. (Excitedly) You have invited him? OhJ--
(Aside) This isn't to my taste.
ZEGOCINA. They should arrive today, for I sent the
horses a couple of days ago.
NOTARY. Today I
SCENE IX
The NOTARY, ZEGOCINA, SEWERYN
SEWERYN. (Coming in from the rear) They are coming. --
You can see the carriage on the bank. (He goes to the window
on the right with an indi f f erent air. )
ZEGOCINA. Oh, they are coming! My dear notary, do not
desert me In this decisive moment. Listen nowi (She leads
him to one side and whispers in his ear. )
SEWERYN. (Aside) Whatever they are plotting up their
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sleeve, it doesn't please me at all.
NOTARY. My dear benefactress, the idea Itself is —
eh- -eh- -eh- -certainly commendable. But I confess, without
boasting, that my moments are precious. --The business cannot
be settled in a few words. --My profession is that of a notary,
I have today several transactions to which I must attend.
ZEGOCINA. I won't let you gol Come here, let us come
to an understanding first, before I go to meet them. --Oh,
how my heart is beatingi (Clasping her hands) Notary, I
can't get along without youl OhI They are coming.
NOTARY. (Aside) Hal We'll play our own game. (Aloud)
I am at your service.
ZEGOCINA. (To Seweryn) My angel boy, meet them here--
have them make themselves at home. Be polite, please; I
will explain why.— Tell them that I am a little indisposed,
that as soon as I am dressed, I will come to them. (She
goes out with the NOTARY at the left. )
SCENE X
SEWERYN; a moment later PAN DAMAZY, HELENA, ANTONI
SEWERYN. They surely have something between them.
(After a moment, at ttie window) Ahal Antoni has escorted
the two; he is helping his goddess to alight--hal haI--She
jumps out like a kid,— it's plain that she ne-er rode in a
coach before. (Going to the door at the rear) I must wel-
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come them.
ANTONI. (Conducting the new-comers In) Permit me, my
dear sir, I will take your wrap-- (To HELENA) and yours also.
(He helps her take it off ) --and your hat? (He takes it. )
DAMAZY. (A bald-headed country aouire with an abun-
dant grizzled mustache, the rest of his face clean-shaven,
and with a porcelain pipe in his hand) Bless my soul, where
is my sister-in-law?
SEWERYN. (Bowing) She is in her room, somewhat indis-
posed.
DAMZY. And you are Pan Seweryn, if I am not mistaken.
SEViTERYN. (With self-assurance) Indeed, you are not
mistaken.
DAMAZY. I recognized you, my amorous young gentleman,
at once, although we have seen each other only a single time,
bless my soul.
SEWERYN. (Aside, offended) Amorous gentleman!
ANTONI. (Who had been talking with HELENA) What's
the matter? Is avmtle indisposed?
SEWERYN. So it seems. I will find out Immediately
and tell her of your arrival. (He goes out at the left. )
HELENA. Dear papa, was that Pan Seweryn?
DAMAZY. What, didn't you recognize him? Why, he's
been at our house.
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ANTONI. (TO HELENA) I've been expecting you since
early morning, counting the minutes, and I went impatiently
out to meet you on the pretext of hvmting.
HELENA. If you only knew how my heart was beating
while we were ooming» ^>» ^^ **^~^ '
ANTONI. (In a low tone) And mine too, when I saw
your father and you in the distance.
HELENA. But when I caught sight of you, I was reassured
right away. (Jokingly) Somehow under such protection I
acquired courage.
ANTONI. (As before ) Oh, my precious!
HELENA. HushI What's this again? Daddy will hear--
( Beginning to chatter) How charming it is here in auntie's
house]
DAMAZY. (Who has been combing his bald head, passes
her the comb ) Here, take it, arrange your own hair, for »f
yo^A look' like a mop.
HELENA. (To Antonl, with a smile) Is that true? Well,
don't look at me, please turn your back. ( She goes to the
mirror. )
AOTONI. I'll not bother you. (Taking the wraps) I'll
take these in the meantime to your rooms, and see if they
have everything ready. (He goes out at the left. )
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SCENE XI
PAN DAMAZY, HELENA
DAMAZY. I don't know, bless my soul, how my sister-in-
law happened to get so affectionate that she invited us to
her home, and sent for us with such pomp.
HELENA. That was a coach, daddy, wasn't it?
1. . 1 r
DAWAZY. To the devil with her and her coachi We shoiild
have got here just the same in our own carriage. --But there's
something behind lt--it's not for nothing.
HELENA. (At the window) What a darling garden there
is herel
L
DAMAZY. More showy than use, oless my soul.--I should
prefer an orchard.
HELENA. Why?
DAMAZY. (Impatiently) Just because it's an orchardJ
HELENA. But here it is so pretty, these flower beds.
What nightingales there must be here in the springl
DAMAZY. Oh, you betl There's no lack of them. When
they begin to screech in the night, each louder than the
other, bless my soul, then they won't let you sleep.
HELENA. Ah, daddy, how can you talk so? Nightingales
sing so beautifully, I could listen to them my whole life.
(She snuggles up to him. )
DAMAZY. Because you're queer in the head.
HELENA. Because it's so beautiful, so beautiful!--
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OhjHeavensi--
DAMAZY. (Looking at her from under his eyes, and
clearing his throat to hide his emotion) Hm, hm. She's
the very Image of her mother. (After a moment, petting her)
You used to run afid wmi through these flower beds when you
were a little tot,
HELENA. I scarcely remember It, as If It were a dream.
DAMAZY. After your uncle married again everything
changed--our visits were cut short.
HELENA. Why, daddy dear?
DAMAZY. (Testily) Oh/,, ikovr you bore me with those
questions i Always why? why? You know yourself well enough
the reason why. Because he married!
HELENA. Then is auntie really so bad?
DAMAZY. Oh, when she feels like it, you could twist
her around your finger, sweet as honey; but just grind her
up into powder in a mortar, and, bless my soul, you could
poison half the world with it.
HELENA. (Laughing) Oh, daddy dear!
DAMAZY. Well, what about daddy? Daddy knows people,
and that's all there is to it. Ho, hoi She 23 a sharp
character. She had her husband entirely xmder her thumb,
bless my soul. What sort of a life he had with her, may
the good Lord shield me from suchl And then he had to be
so stupid as to make a joint will, although he was about
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twenty years older. If he hadn't, the whole estate would
have fallen to us, since they didn't have any children--
( After a moment) But what's the use of telling about that?
(Pacing the room, aside) If I regret it, it's only because
of this orphan.
HELENA. V/hy have you grown so sad, daddy dear?
DAMAZY. Let me alone, please. "Why" again;? (After
a moment, roughlyj Listen, just make a good appearance for
ray sake, so that they won't say you were brought up behind
the stove. --Speak up, hold your head high, be careful to be
polite with your aunt, but without humbling yourself in the
least. Bless my soul, she'd be likely to get the idea that
she had only to beckon, and we'd come on our knees here, in ^G
^fi^v of obtaining some benefits from her. They'd come in
handy, all right, but if she should have the idea that I'd
kiss her paw for It, no thank youl But Antoni is herel It's
just occured to me: Mio knows whether this invitation is not
of his doing!
HELENA. (Confused) I doubt it, --why should he now--?
DAI.IAZY. (Looking at her) V/hat, you don't think so?
Eh, Helena, my love, don't pretend.
HELENA. (Very much confused) But am I pretending?
DAMAZY. Oh, be quiet 1 I am too old, you understand,
not to see through it- -(Roughly) So then, how do you stand
with him? Eh? (Seeing that she is silent, more roughly)
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I'd like to knowl He calls nearly every day, hangs aroirnd,
and you don't either take him or send him packing. That
state of affairs don't suit mel Tell me plainly, how do
you feel towards him?
HELENA. (Aside) Oh, heavensi Daddy is cross againi
DAMZY. Do you like him or don't you?
HELENA. Pan Anton i?
DAMAZY. (Im.patiently) There you are againi Who am
I asking ahouti
HELENA. (Shamefaced) My heavens, hovr should I know?
DAMAZY. (As before) Is that so? If you don't know,
then go ask somebody!
HELENA. I love only my dear daddy.
DAMAZY. Now don't wheedle me, please, I don't need it-'
that's not niceJ
HELENA. You get so excited, daddy, right away.
DAMAZY. (Somewhat mollified) But who wouldn't get
excited, with a child like you. You put me off with this
or that, but I^ however. --(Looking her in the eyes) I've
noticed that you are always glad when he comes.
HELENA, well, why not, I should like to know, daddy?
He is so gay, and pleasant.
DAMZY. (Slipping his hand under her chin and lookin;^
Into her eyes) And when you don't see him for a long time,
you are out of sorts, eh? Isn't that so?
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HELENA. (At a loss) Oh, heavens, I don't know myself.
You are drawing It out of me, word by word.
DAMAZY. Well, ©« ^wy we^^, she's a fine onel (Impatiently)
Tell me, what do you call it, that whenever you e>:pect him,
you go from window to window watching for him?--I've seen
you many a time.
HELENA. (Lowering her eyes) If anyone promises to come
to dinner, he shouldn't make you wait for him until evening.
DAMAZY. Well, then it's evident you long for him, and
that's that. So why talk about it any morel
HELENA. (Almost in tears) But there you are againl--
You say right off that I long for him. --You're persecuting me
so, daddy.
DAMAZY. (Pacing the room, aside) Ehl She's still a
stupid child; she don't know herself how she feels. We must
wait, apparently! Her time hasn't come yet.
SCENE XII
SEWERYN comes in at the left, PAN DAMAZY paces the room. HELENA
stands at the window, pensive.
SEWERYN. Well, so I am to pay attention to this little
wren. --That' 3 good, after the way I ragged Antonl. — How it'll
go, I'm sure I don't know--the worst is, what' 11 he say about
it? Ha;--I must wade right in. (Aloud) Auntie will be at
your service presently--but perhaps you would like to go to
your rooms first.
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DAMAZY. It's all one to rae--but Helena-- (In a low tone)
Perhaps you should change your dress, for this one seems
too tight for you. You roust make a good appearance, bless
my soul, so that they won't make any remarks about us.--
Dress up, do you hearl--a plain fence post polished up
would be more graceful than you. (To SEWERYN) Where are
those rooms?
SEV/ERYN. I will conduct you. (To HELENA, offering
his arm) May I have the honor? (She draws back.)
HELENA. (In her father' s ear) Daddy, he wants to
take my arm.
DAMAZY. My love, don't disgrace me.
SEV/ERYN. (Aside) She jumped back as if I'd scalded
her.
DAMAZY. Now, you go first. (Aside, contentedly) That
shows her bringing-up, the girl is as well-trained as--
SCENE XIII
The same with ZEGOCINA and the NOTARY, who come in from the
left.
ZEGOGINA. (Leaning on the NOTARY, comes in slowly, with
her harxikerchief at her eyes; she approaches DAMAZY, and leans
her head on his shoulder, tearfully) Brother, my brother!
DAMAZY. (Aside) What the deuce 1 (Uneasily) Now I'm
done fori
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ZEGOCINA. I did not expect that your arrlvsl, the
sight of you, would bring back so vividly before my eyes
the loss that I have suffered.
DAMAZY. (Kissing her hand) Well, it's not my fault,
bless my soul.
ZEGOCINA. Ah, did I say that? On the contrary, I am
thankful to my brother; these tears are a consolation.
DAMAZY. Hm, hm.
ZEGOCINA. We lived together so many years- -they
passed for us like a single day--for the deceased loved me
madly.
DAMAZY. Hm, hm. (SEWERYN, who has been exchanging
a few ceremonious words with HELENA, goes out at the left. )
ZEGOCINA. Ah, that moment is always present in my
mind when, on the bed of pain, already expiring, he troubled
himself about my f>ature. He could not speak then, but with
his eyes he bade me farewell. --Ah/ I shall not forget that
lookl
DAMAZY. (Moved) Did he suffer much?
c
ZEGOCINA. In the last few weeks particularly. I
tried to soften his sufferings as much as possible. (After
a short silence, with emphasis) But let the subject rest,
let us not brand wath sadness these moments of our reunion.
(To HELENA) I am glad to renew our acquaintance, and, God
grant, to have closer relations with Helena. (Kissing her)
How charmingly she has grown upl I should wish you, dearest,
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-39-
to like It so well here that you ^ not get homesick.
(Turning to DAMAZY and the NOTARY) Certainly you gentle-
men know each other.
DAMAZY. Bless my soul, I have not the pleasure.
NOTARY. (Cordially extending; his hand) WhatI Notary
Bajdalski.
DAMAZY. There is s one thing about that name— but I
cannot recall.
NOTARY. The friend, without boasting, of your deceased
brother.
DAMAZY. I had no communication with my brother for
such a long time— except at rare Interva Is- -although it
was not my fault, bless my soul. (ZEGOCINA, aside. Is con-
versing with HELENA.)
NOTARY. But notwithstanding that, we know each other-
eh--eh— eh.— Oh yes--you sold some wool to Mortek in Tatarow.
DAMAZY. I sell to him every year.
NOTARY. That's it, I was present at one of those trans-
actions, which took place in Ikey's shop. Later we drank
a bottle of wine.
DAMAZY. (Trying to remember) Oh, true enough, true
enough. (The^: fall in each other's arms. ) But what a
memory for places you have, bless my soul, for I myself can
remember nothing at all of it.
NOTARY. Oh, my dear sir, when once I see somebody, I
never forget him.
0
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40 -
DAMAZY. (Aside) When was It? Blow my brains out,
I don't remember. (MANKA comes In, and whispers to ZEGO-
CINA; they and HELENA look at one another ourioualy. )
ZEGOCINA. All right, all right. (To DAMAZY) If you
will be 30 kind, brother, as to come with me: after the
journey you all must make yourselves comfortable- -ard rest.--
Gome, Helena, my love. --(She takes her by the arm. )
DAMAZY. At your service. (To the NOTARY, stopping
before the door) But I beg your pardon, bless my soul, now
I seem to recollect. (Decidedly) You were not the one that
time at Ikey's shop.
NOTARY. Not I?
DAMAZY. It was our district notary, Glowacz--there-
fore It must have been somewhere else.
NOTARY. Perhaps, I do not recall the details myself--
but I know that we are acquainted, only it Is evident that
my commonplace features have not stuck in your memory.
DAMAZY. On the contrary, bless my soul, such features
as you have are \mforgettable; they are not commonplace
features. That makes me all the more amazed.
NOTARY. You flatter me. (At the door) Please —
DAMAZY. But nevertheless, you have something in your
face- - ( C eremonlously ) Oh, will you be good enough to--
NOTARY. I am like one of the household here, sir.
DAMAZY. But pardon me, wasn't it once In Kolkowlce
at the fair? I was buying oxen then.
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- 41 -
NOTARY. That's jnat; "tl. Just It/ ^^^^-^^tr^ ! ^ax^^t^/
DAMAZY. And so you see, I knew after all that it
wasn't at Ikey's shop. (They go oiot at the left.)
SCENE XIV
MANKA, later SEWERYN
MANKA. (With a sad smile) And they treat me as
if I were not here; as If I did not exist at all for them.
(After a moment) i do not know why, but I feel some sort
of fear; my heart is in my mouth, as if with the arrival
of these guests it anticipated something disagreeable. A
moment ago, when I met Seweryn, I spoke to him; he did not
answer, and went straight on. He apparently was pretending
he did not see me. What has come over himi He used to--
(SEWERYN comes in from the rear; not seeing MANKA, he paces
thoughtfully u£ and down the room. )
MANKA. (Drawing near him, and looking inquiringly
into his eyes) What is this cloud on your forehead?
SEWERYN. (Takes her hand, after a moment) The
moment has come.
MANKA. (Nervously) What moment?
SEWERYN. The moment in which we need courage. --Manka,
answer me, do you love me?
MANKA. (As before) Why this question?
SEWERYN. Do you believe that I have the best'^^inten-
tions f^r you? Tell mel
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- 42 -
MANKA. (Bitterly) How should I know, how can I be
certain, when you yourself do not know?
SEWERYN. (Ardently) My dear girl, if I were a common
sort of man, I should be convinced that you have been aided
by witchery. --I should not be able to live without you. I
feel it now for the first time.
MANKA. V/hy for the first time?
SEWERYN. Manka, listen to me and reflect well upon
what I tell you. We can be enviably happy, if you will only
consent to understand me and my position, and not have un-
reasonable scruples.
MANKA. (Astonished) Scruples?
SEVVERYN. If you will only get rid of those idle
fancies, so impossible to realize.
MANKA. What are ray fancies? They concern your own
heart. Can I be mistaken?
SEWERYU. Oh, that heart is yours and always will be.
MANKA. Well, then what?
SKVSRYN. (After a moment) Our whole happiness de-
pended upon our independence, on my freeing myself from
this guardianship that oppresses me. — And for that, there
la only one means. (After a moment ) Manka, I must marry.
MANKA. (Not comprehending) What's that? Whom?
SEWERYN. Think.
MANKA. Ahl-- (After a moment , in an unnatural vcice;
Hal hal hal
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- 43 -
SEWERYN. You are laughing?
MANKA. (Struggling; with her tears) ymat should I
do?
SEV/ERYN. Manka darling I
MANKA. No, you are just trying to test me- -to prove
me. Confess nowl
SEiVERYN. My child, be sensible.
MANKA. (Bursting into tears) I cannot survive this I
SEWERYN. Crying and sobbing again I
MANKA. I am not crying--no] (She presses her hands
to her breast) But my heart, my heart I
SEWERYN. Manka, dearest darling, I swear to you on
all I hold most sacred, that I love you only--and that you
will be the happiest--
MANKA. Ahl (Restraining her tears) How little you
must fear God to say that. --(She withdraws from him.)
SEWERYN. Mankal do not drive me to extremities-- (The
NOTARY comes in at the left.) Listenl Don't cry, you will
be a lady. I will not spare anything for you.
MANKA. Leave me alonel — You have no mercy. (She goes
out at the right. )
SEWERYl'I. Mankal (He goes out after her, j
SCENE XV
The NOTARY, alone; later SEWERYN
NOTARY. (In a sing-song voice) Hm, hm, hml--Hm, hm, hml
They say that of all creatures man alone has a soul; the rest
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- 44 -
only- -eh- -eh- -eh— instinct. V/ho knows which is better?--
Every beast obeys his instinct— but man?— NeitlB r instinct
nor that inward voice--eh— eh— eh--whlch they call the
voice of the soul. Ho, ho, my young lord, with your per-
mission, you're up to some rascally trick.— They want you
to marry one, and you are trying to seduce the other— and
shall I sign ray name to that?— Oh nol— I am a man of honor,
who travels a straight path. --I'll telegraph instantly to
Genlo; he must be here by tomorrow, --The girl is a rich
match; for whatever the old woman says. Pan Damazy has the
right to the estate. --(He sits down at the desk.) I'll
write the telegram. Genio is a posltivlst, so he'll under-
stand things practically and know what to do about it.--
( After a moment ) But maybe that was only Jesting--! don't
know how far things are advanced with them. (He goes to
the door through which they disappeared and looks through
the key-hole; at that moment the door opens suddenly,
hitting him in the nose; SWfERm comes in, very much dis-
turbed. }
SEWERYN. (In a furious voice, stopping suddenly)
What were you doing at the door?
NOTARY. (Holding his nose) Eh— eh--eh—
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- 45 -
ACT II
The garden; ajt the left an arbor, in which there are a
table and chairs; on the right, a^ bench; in the
backKroTind a wall or fence with a little gate in
the center.
SCENE I
PAN DAMAZY i£ pacing up and down, smoking his pipe; MANKA
is standing with lowered eyes and folded hands; HELENA
comes in later*
DAMAZY. Hm, hm, I did not know anything of it, bless
my soul; I confess that it had left my mind completely.
Prom the time of that stupid marriage of my brother, I
didn't visit him once. So you say that they have kept you
at a distance.
MANKA. They did me no injustice, but mistress treated
me as she would a stranger.
DAMAZY. (Testily) Mistress, mistress, why do you call
her mistre3s?--Af ter all she is your aunt--of course, I
don' b know to what degree--but your aunt nevertheless.
After all I and my deceased brother were--Wait--Anselm
married, bless my soul. Aunt Balblna, and if we called her
aunt, well, she must have been an aunt. The own sister of
Anselm--nowl Bless my soul, Anselm' s sister married Pater-
kowskl, and he was your father, wasn't he?
MANKA. That is my name.
DAMAZY. So you see now--there is a relationship--and
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- 46 -
close enough, too. --Call me uncle, will you please, my
dear--what's your name?
■ MANKA. Manka.
DAMAZY. What does Manka st<ind for? I don't get that.
MANKA. Mary a.
D.\MAZY. Well, you can make Marysia, and also Marynka
out of that, bless my soul, but no such thing as Mankat
(Petting her) So tell me, my little Marychna — my deceased
brother, how did he treat you?
MANKA. He was good to me, but--only when we were alone;
in the presence of mistress--
DAMAZY. (Stamping his foot) In the presence of auntiel
MANKA. In the presence of auntie he pretended to be
indifferent, but he never spoke a cross word to me.
DAMAZY. The weak--dirty--henpecked old fogyl
MANKA. On the contrary, he often took my part.
DAMAZY. (Testily) Whatl Did she torment you? Beat
you?
MANKA. No, but she was always so cold towards me, so
distant--
DAMAZY. Well, I must go into this, bless my soul. It
comes down to this, you're our niece.
MANKA. How good you are, sirl
DAMAZY. (Roughly) Uncle--repeat iti
«• The nickname has a contemptuous suggestion, like "Liz"
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- 47 -
MANKA. How good you are, vuicleJ
DAMAZY. And get used to thatl--It's a disgrace,
infamy, that one of our family, bless my soul, should be
treated as a kitchen wench, a Manka--or whatever they call
youl--Bahl
HELENA. (Entering from the right, humming and arrang-
ing a bouquet) Tra la la lal la la lal what rosesi What
ro s e 3 1 ( She plucks some from a bush, )
DAMAZY. Helena, love, come over herel
HELENA. Look, daddy, what a lovely bouquet it will
be--tra la lal--
DAMAZY. For whom?
HELENA. (Singing) For my aunt, for my aunt.
DAMAZY. Hmt-- (Impatiently) Come oni (Pushing her
towards MANKA) Kiss each other I
HELENA. (Not understanding, looking at him) Ha ha hal--
Daddy I
DAMAZY. What, can't you manage it?
HELENA. (As if offended) Pleasel (With an amusing
courtesy, puckering up her lips, she kisses her in the air. ;
Like that?
DAMAZY. Not like that--heartily, for she's your cousinl
HELENA. My cousinl Ah, that's another thingI--(She
throws her arms about her and kisses her.) I do like kissingl
I'd like to kiss everybody--daddy too--shall I? (She throws
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- 48 -
her arms about his neck. )
DAMAZY. Well, well, don't be chlldlshl
HELENA. (To MANKA) Once morel (She kisses her. )
DAMAZY. Enough, enough, keep a little for later.
(Testily) You women, you are all like that--wlthout any
moderatlon--hm, hm. — Now amuse yourselves here and get
better acquainted. jHe goes out at the left. HELENA
goes with him and whispers to him, then returns. )
SCENE II
MANKA, HELENA
MANKA. (Aside) Oh heavens, is not this a mockery of
fate I To find a cousin in the girl who inflicts on me the
most grievous woimd. (Exhausted) My heart is bursting.
HELENA. (Returning;, wioh little skips, and taking
her hand; So you are my cousin. --Uh, how nice that Isl
How happy I am that I have someone to confide in; I never
have had a companion, a friend. At home, I tell you, it is
like a cloister: we live alone, and if it were not for
Dzlubalska--but after all she is a very good woman, even if
she is a little aueer. She is forever telling my fortune
with cards--! am the queen of hearts, and the king of hearts
is my future husband ,--{ Laughing ) And, will you believe it,
she always stacks the cards so that the king will be near
me every time.
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- 49 -
MANKA. (Sadly) It's come out just as she pro-
phesied.
HELENA. Ho, ho, it may still turn out differently--
I must tease him a bit more. --Listen, do you like flowers?
Sea. cJt^o^i^
Come with me I (They pick a few. ) Ah^ wfea* two handsome
butterflies *J?9 chasing each other,--U4it--walt--waltl —
They've alighted, don't frighten them. (She keeps very
auiet.) One is Pan Antoni, the other is Pan Seweryn.
Whichever one is caught, I will marry him. (She laughs. )
Oh, they've both flown awayl What a shame 1
MANKA. (Maliciously) That generally follows when
anyone chases after two at once.
HELENA. What harm is there? One is pretty and the
other is pretty,
MANKA (As before) But it seems that you can select
only one.
HELENA. (Jokingly) Butterfly?
MANKA. Well, were you thinking of butterflies?
HELENA. (Abashed) How horrid you arel
MANKA. Yet one was to be Pan Antoni, the other Pan
Seweryn.
HELENA. Now, you see, since you are my cousin, I want
to confide in you, to tell you a great secret. Only don't
betray me: sit downl (She seats her close by. ) There's
no one here? No one who will overhear us?
MANKA. No one.
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HELENA. YOU know, of course, that Pan Antonl lives
not far from us. In the neighborhood; that our deceased
uncle leased for him a small farm, where they say he la
doing quite welL-So/ he's begun to visit us, and apparently
has designs on me.
MANKA. (Looking into her e^es) And you, on the other
hand, cannot bear him.
HELENA. What are you chattering about now?
MANKA. Then do you love him?
HELENA. It seems to me that I like him very much.
(After a moment, namely) Listen, can that be an illusion?
MANKA. (Ironically, starting to ^et U£) The very
question--
HELENA. (Holding her back) Walt, listen to mei-He Is
such a nice man. Almost no one visits us, but he looks in
nearly every other day. He brings me books to read-such
splendid ones, I tell you.— Do you read books?
MANKA. I haven't the time; I read very seldom.
HELENA. Oh, that's too bad.— You will not believe how
pleasant it is. -There are so many Interesting things.
MANKA. Then how about Pan Antonl?
HELENA. He comes very often. Dziubalska, who is a
great friend of his, says that he Is In love with me.
MANKA. Do you know that only from her?
HELENA. (Lowering her eyes) Of course. (After a
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- bl -
moment ) Ah, if you only knew how my heart beat when he
proposed.
MANKA. And so he has proposed.
HELENA. Yes — sort of — even father doesn't know of it;
I was ashamed to tell him; you are the first one that I
have confided in. --And I tell you, how upset he wasi--t^e
shook all over, and I felt as If someone had poured hot
water over me. Imagine, I was so confused I didn't know
what to do with rayself--and at the same time it was so plea-
sant for me, a kind of blissful feeling. --Did anyone ever
propose to you?
MANKA. In my position--a poor orphan--can I dream of
that?
HELENA. Oh, don't exaggerate* --Am I a millionaire?
If Antoni loves me, he certainly doesn't do so from any hope
of gain.
MANKA. ( Warmly ) And you do not even value this affec-
tion!
HELENA. Well, you see, since yesterday, when we arrived
here — only, my dear, you must not breathe a word of this to
anyone- -daddy, somehow, who had evidently favored Antoni,
and many a time, when he was in a good humor, had teased
me with sly hints--now seems to have changed his mind--he
speaks otherv/ise. .After a moment, Frankly, - don't know-
but it seems to me that he prefers ran Seweryn.
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MANKA. And how do you feel about itv
HELENA. I? Dear heavens 1 Do I_ know what to do? I
think my aunt v/ants us to marry.
MANKA. (Aside) Oh, my God J My Godl
HELENA. She will give us some part of the estate, iviy
father, although he says nothing outright, gives me to imder-
stand that in this way we may promote fam.ily goodwill. --Now
I don't kncv; myself how to behave?
MANKA. Take the coimsel of your heart, if it speaks
& r Pan Antoni.
HELENA. Of course, but what if they will not pay any
attention to it?
MANKA. After all, it is not likely that they will force
you.
HELENA. Ah, I am terribly afraid of that. --This pro;]ect
seems to please my father and auntie so.
MANKA. (Rising, excitedly) But what if the one whom
they intend for you loved another?
HELENA. (Rising also) Ah, how nice that would bel--
Do you know anything about that?
MANKA. I can tell you that it is so.
HELENA. Well, pleasel--How could it bel--Oh, most likely
there is nothing of the sort. — What use would there be of
such a comedy?
MANKA. He will play his part in it in accordance with
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his aiint's desire, pretending to court you»--Oh, look him
straight in the ^ti^, for when he says that he loves you, he
will tell a lie. --You would bring suffering upon yourself
for your v;hole life- -I warn youl
HELENA. Ah, what a fright I am inl
MANKA. It would be best to tell your father plainly,
to reveal your sentiments to him.
HELENA. Do I dare? If he were only my Biother, that
would be another thing. Daddy will begin to make fun of me,
and make sly hints i --although he loves me, he loves me very
much I
MANKA. Then it will be all the easier for you.
HELENA. But it only seems so to you. Although he is
my dad, yet he is a man all the same. How cotild I tell him
straight out, for instance, "I love Pan Antonl"? — Oh, for
heaven's sake, I should burn with shame.
MNKA. (Looking around) Look, there he is; we'll find
out directly. (She retires to the rear.)
HELENA. Oh, don't go — where are you going? — (SEV/ERYN
comes in; HELENA, pretending that she does not see him,
goes on picking flov/ers and slowly draws near the exit. )
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SCENE III
MNKA, hidden. HELENA, SEWERYN; Ifiter, ANTONI; still later,
PAN DAMAZY.
SEWERYN. (Coming In from the right, stops and looks at
HELENA, making a gesture of disdain, --4fter a moment, aside)
I thought that it would be a simple thing to get married to
the first girl that came along, so long as I'd get my free-
dom by it.--I forgot one small thing, that is, the necessity
of playing the role of suitor--there is no bond of sympathy
between us. — Hai It's hardl (Aloud) How do you do^ Panna
Helena?
HELENA. (Busy with the flowers ) How do you do, sir.
SEWERYN. You were going for a walk?
HELENA. Yes, sir.
SEWERYN. You did not expect to meet me here.
HELENA. No, sir.
SEWERYN. (To himself, repeating) "Yes, sir, "--"no,
sir." (After a moment, aloud ) How are you enjoying yourself
in our house?
HELENA. Oh, very much!
SEWERYN. (with artificial enthusiasm) Oh, how happy
that makes mel
HELENA. Why?
SEWERYN. Why? (Aside) How shall I answer her?
(Aloud, distractedly) And you wonder why?
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HELENA. Of course.
SEWERYN. (Aside) No, I am making an Idiot of myself
here. (After a moment , aloud) But I am curious to knovf fc r
whom this lovely bouquet is intended, all the lovelier since
your hands have arranged it, (Aside) Well, I have begun
somehowl
HELENA. For auntie, my dear sir.
SEWERYN. Might I beg even a single rosebud from it?
MANKA. (Who has draMm near in a state of great emotion. )
I will select one for you. ( SEWERYN l3_ put out of countenance. )
HELENA. (Holding out the bouquet, gaily) Look at this
onel (SEWERYN mechanically takes it from MANKA 'S hand. )
Do you see, sir, hov/ splendid it ls.--Manka picked it with
her own hand.
SEWERYN. Ahl--( Aside, not knowing what to do with the
rose) Charming situation, I must say.
MANKA. (Moved, in a low voice, while HELENA withdraws)
Did I annoy you? (Trembling, with tears in her voice) If
you have to throw it av/ay, give it to me. I will keep it as
a keepsake, because you have held it in your hand.
SEWERYN. (In a low voice) You know that for the same
reason it is precious to me. (After a moment ) But to
fight with necessity when it is inexorable is impossible.
Manka, I implore you, have some control over yourself]
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- 56 -
MANKA. (With anguish) Ahl (She restrains her tears.
From the right ANTONI comes In, draws near HELENA, and with
a gesture admires the bofluet> )
HELENA. (Giving it to him to sniff) Do you like It,
sir? (They walk about in the rear, conversing* )
ANTONI. Lovelyl (After a moment ) How we look at
everything through glasses colored to suit our own point of
viewi I have never cared for auntie's house; the atmosphere
of this place oppressed me. Today, when you are here, it has
become a paradise for me.
HELENA. (Giving him a rose, .jokingly) This is for
your compliment.
ANTONI. Thanks for the flower, but I don't like your
explanation. Was that a compliment?
SEWERYN. (Approaching them) What are you two talking
about?
ANTONI. Why do you wish to know? If you did know, you
wouldn't understand us.
SEWERYN. But why?
ANTONI. (Significantly) You have certain prejudices,
and it is hard to fight against them. What Is sacred for one,
to another may appear a laughing matter.
SEWERYN. Ah, I beg your pardon. (Aside) Both will
stand in my way — a fatal situation. (He withdraws and throws
himself discontentedly on the bench. On the other side of
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the stage, in the arbor, i.^A^IKA remains seated, with her head
In her hands. )
DAM-AZY. (Coming in at_ the rear with his pipe, going
from left t£ right. He stops, and puffing away, looks for
several moments at HELENA and ANTONI. ) Ho, ho, what an inter-
esting conversation, bless my souli
HELENA. Ahl Daddy J ( She runs to him. )
DAMAZY. You seem a bit too familiar, my girl.
ANTONI. (Somewhat confused, with an attempt at humor)
We were just talking about--
DAMAZY. (Not looking at him) Helena, I want you to
come with me to talk business. (They go out at the right. )
ANTONI. (Looking after them, after a moment, nervously)
What does that mean? He did not look at me at all. I'm
beginning to get alarmed. Since yesterday I have noticed in
Pan Damazy a certain change. --My Godl I love her so J Can
I have been hoping in vain? (He ^oes out slowly after them. )
SCENE IV
MANKA, SEWERYN
( This scene must be played in a very lively manner . )
SEV/ERYN. (Rises, j^oes to MAKKA, and leads her violently
to the front of the stage* ) Manka, listen to mel
MANKA. Perhaps I have listened too much, unfortvinately,
and now I am doing penance for it.
SEWERYN. Yet I have explained to you what's at stake.
MANKA. (Pressing her temples) I don't know anything,
I don't understand anything--do with me as you wish, but do
not demand that with my own hands I tear out what has struck
deep roots within me.
SEWERYK. But--you don't understand mei I love you
always.
MANKA. (Bitterly) You love me?
SEWERYN. I love you, you silly girl, you know this
well. The mere fact that I want to sacrifice myself, gives
the best proof what you mean to mel
MANKA. (In a passion) What do you take me for? What?
Tell mel
SEWERYN. (Grasping her hand) For a creature some evil
spirits have bound me to. I could not live without you- -I
must have you--for myself, to create for you a life such as
you never dreamed of. (violently) Don't weep, for you will
drive me to extremities!
M-ANKA. Could there be a greater one than to bid me
hear such words 1
SEWERYN. Then what shall we do? You know that I have
nothing of my own; but when I am married- according to my
aunt's desire, she will give me the estate, and all will be
yoursl
I4ANKA. (Weeping) And he doesn't even see the whole
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monstrosity of what he saysl He must be without a conscience]
SE'^RYU. But who is to blame for it all? Tell mei
Not IJ
IM.NKA. Much less I. Who here is being deceived and
tjheated?
SEWERYN. You are to blame. (Grasping her around the
waist, and looking passionately into her eyes) In those eyes
dwells some Satan or other who tempts me, takes away my rea-
son, and makes an idiot of a man. You saw what happened. In
the presence of that silly goose I could not find my tongue;
I stammered like a schoolboy.
MANKA. (Freeing herself from his embrace) No, I cannot
conceive of this--it is vilei
SEViTERYN. (Beside himself, threatening her with his
fists) MankaJ
MANKA. I tell you, beat me, flog mei I will fall at
your feeti--(With a burst of tears) But do not trample on me,
do not s^ttpn mei
SEWERYN. (Tormented) Ohl This is driving me madi
Then what can we do? What? Tell mei Advise mei --What means
are there? (Taking her again in his embrace, with more feel-
ing) Give me millions, and today I will go with you to the
altar.
MANKA. (After a moment, looking into his eyes, leaning
her head on his breast) What use have we for millions?
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SEWERYN. (Looking around nervously, aside) But someone
might see us.
MANKA. (Pushing him away, with a gentle reproach) Are
you afraid? Are you ashamed of the feelings ^t which you
«/»•- hU ^
swore ^ to me.
SEWERYN. (In a persuasive tone) Consider well what sort
of a life It would be--to live on love. Have some sensel
MANKA. I didn't have any when I listened to your pro-
testations of love. I shan't regain any today, and It Is
your own fault.
SEWERYN. (Clenching his fists) Ohi
MANKA. (With a cry, clutching her head) I'm going madi
SEWERYN. Quiet, for God's sakel (Looking around) Don't
get excited, don't make scenes. (He tries to take her hand;
she draws away) You know that all I am doing is only for you,
that I am simply making a sacrifice of myself--no one shall
ever take my heart from you, not even my wife. (MANKA shakes
her head) Now you are getting excited again. Listen, I know
myself that perhaps it is vile, that I am deceiving her, that
I am betraying my own brother, but it is merely a surer proof
of my blind passion for you. Manka, don't msk e such a difficult
problem any harder for me than it i3--understand once for all
our position. Once I am free, I will divorce her.
MANKA. I still fear God; perhaps you will bring me to
the point of forgetting him; but not yet.
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SEWERYN. Mankai
MANKA. Already you have made of me a perverted hypocrite;
I am obliged to act in secret, to play a part, to lie, but
nevertheless, I can still justify myself somehow. But later,
how could I in decency take anything from you, how in decency
could I deceive the woman who will have a right to all, to
you yourself, as well as to the estate? (Weeping) Ahl I
should every moment fear divine pvmishment.
SE^AllRYN. Well, don't get dramatic or poetic about It.
(Aside) How can I get this out of her head? (Aloud) Many
people marry without affection, and for their whole lives, but
I tell you that I will divorce her; I will say that our disposi-
tions are incompatible. This is a simple matter: blame axxntie
for it, who in the name of generosity sells us off. (More
powerfully) Anyhow, I have a right to that estate! Sooner
or later, it's mine]
MANKA. (With alarm, looks him in the eyes.) Then listen,
even though I go as to my execution, I will fall at her feet
and confess everything. --Perhaps for the time being she will
bestow something on us, even though a little bit, and with
God' 3 help--
SEWERYN. (Violently) Are you in your right mind or
are you mad?
MANKA. (With suffering) Oh, my Godi
SEWERYN. (Throwing at her the rose which he has held
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walks up and down with great strides, finally, very much
upset, he starts to leave. MANKA, trying to pick up the
rose, falls on her knees, and remains so, not seeing anyone ,
stuplfled. )
SCENE V
The same, TYKALSKA, the NOTARY; later, JAN
TYKALSKA. (With her stocking, to SEWERYN, jokingly,
blocking his way) Well, well, well, why are you so upset?--
Waitl
SEWERYN. (Testily) Oh, let me alone, auntiei (He
goes out « )
TYKALSKA. What's this. Manka's fallen downl What's
happened here?
NOTARY (Aside) Scandalous scenes are beginning.
That's good.
TYKALSKA. (Raising her) Manka dear, what's the matter?
Did you faint?
MANKA. (Making an effort to laugh) Ha, ha, haI--NoI
TYKALSKA. But why were you kneeling? --Did you two have
a quarrel?
MANKA. (A3_ before) Noi I dropped the rose and when
I tried to pick it up, I fell on my knees,
TYKALSKA. But what was Seweryn doing here?
MANKA. I don't know. He was Just passing by.
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TYKALSKA. (Nodding her head) Hm, hm, hm --there was
something between you here. (Looking at her closely) You've
been weeplng--but what If it, dry your eyes, don't worry.
(In her ear; The course of true love, you know, my dear.
You had a little spat, and so you'll make up, I tell you.
( She kisses her on the head , MANKA kisses her on the hand. )
NOTARY. (To MANKA, as she is going out. ) Bravo, bravo i
Be firm, stand up for your rights.
MANKA. (stopping) I do not understand you, sir.
NOTARY. The worst v/eapon in a woman's hand Is com-
pliance and too much self-sacrifice, nothing bores a man or
repels him sooner.
MANKA. You are evidently making fun of me. (She goes
out, )
JAN. (Meeting her at thq exit; Please, mlss--
MANKA. (Angered) What do you want?
JAN. ^he mistress gave orders to set the table for
lunch here, in the arbor.
MANKA. (As before; Well then, set it here.
JAN. But the mistress told me to say that-- (Walking off
with her, he speaks in a low voice. ;
MANKA. ( Aside, pressing her hand to her forehead) Ah,
heavens J heavens 1 (They go out.)
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SCENE VI.
The NOTARY, TYKALSKA; later MANKA, JAN
NOTARY. (Aside) If only the sly tf»e would say what
she thinksl If she did not understand, then I am not a notary,'
nor Bajdalski either.
TYKALSKA. (With a sigh) Poor thlngi
NOTARY. Who?
TYKALSKA. Well, who should It be? That orphan. (Knit-
ting her stocking, she sits down on the bench. ) I must say
that as long as the deceased lived, it was entirely different;
he loved her as his own child.
NOTARY. And perhaps, after all, really--eh--eh--eh--
TYKALSKA. (Scandalized) Why, ray dear sir, for shamel
NOTARY. (Sitting down near her) But what would be
so xmusual about it? People are human, my dear lady.
TYKALSKA. What an idea.
NOTARY. Pretty little girl. (After a moment ) Pan
S ewe ryn- - eh- - eh- - ©h- -
TYKALSKA. (Looking into his eyes) Well, Pan Seweryn?
My dear sir, why do you connect Seweryn with her? I am very
curious.
NOTARY. The thought Just occurred to me.
TYKALSKA. That wasn't nice. (After a moment ) But if
you only knew what I know--hoi hoi Only I can't tell you.
NOTARY. How's that? Is it a secret?
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TYKALSKA. Just so. They say that women have long
tongues, but that's a fable, my dear sir. Many a man is a
greater gossip than ten women.
NOTARY. That does happen^ dear lady.
TYKALSKA. Although not necessarily like my deceased
Toby, who was a very honest soul, I tell you— but he was
like an old woman, God protect himJ If he knew anything he
would positively fall ill, if he did not blurt it out, imme-
diately.— However, I might tell you, but this isn't the
place for itJ--
NOTARY, (Ironically) If it's a secret, I will not
intrude at all--eh--eh--eh. At all events a woman who knows
how to keep a secret is n rarity thp.t I know how to respect,
TYKALSKA. If so, then I will tell you, for I know
that you will not repeat It to anybody. (After a moment,
mysteriously) You must know that Seweryn and Manka are
having a love affair.
NOTARY. (Pretending astonishment) Phewl Really 1
TYKALSKA. On my honori Oho, they don't fool me--
only quiet, for heaven's sake, for if this should get to
my sister 1
NOTARY. Pani Zegocina must have other plans then?
TYKALSKA. I do not say anything against her Intention
to bequeath everything to him, for he is her pet, my dear
slr--let him have lt--and have an end to Iti But just what
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harm would It do if those poor things should marry?--Tell me
thati
NOTARY. Women like to make matche3--that » s well-known.
TYKALSKA. It's so nice to see how those two children
love each other. (After a moment) I married Toby purely
from affection, and I never complained, although he was poor
as a churchmouse. There was so much poverty that you couldn't
cut it with an axe.
NOTARY. Dear lady, mutual love is the greatest treasure;
I had a wife, so I know.
TYKALSKA. If my sister refuses to recognize their love,
nevertheless I will find a means to help them. I'll find it,
on my honorl
NOTARY. And you would perform a service to God- -but
what means is there?
TYKALSKA. Oh, my dear sir, why should I explain myself!
(To herself) When I say that I will find it, I will find
it. --What was for Antoni alone, I will divide into two.
NOTARY. Have you some capital of your own?
TYKALSKA. Perhaps I have. (She becomes thoughtful, and
smiles to herself. )
NOTARY. (Aside, rising) I am beginning to think that
this woman is playing a game. Thp.t churchmouse, Toby, must
have left her a few pennies--she is saving the interest, and
living off her sister. ( Aloud ) I will not intrude upon
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your confidence, but I must remind you that perhaps your
f\inds are badly invested, unsafe. As a lawyer, and by my
principles, without boasting, disinterested, I might be able,
perhaps, to give some advice.
TYKALSKA. No, no, my dear sir, I thank you very kindly,
it is not worth while to speak of it. There is none to give.
NOTARY. (Aside) Such is the nature of women: when it
is a question of blabbing something about someone, their
tongues itch; but when it comes to not letting on what they
have sewed up somewhere in their petticoats, then they clench
their teeth. (After a moment, looking at his watch) I must
look up Genio; his train must already be at the station.
(Towards the end of this scene, MA.NKA enters with JAN, who
under her direction places the table in the arbor. )
SCENE VII
The same; ZEGOCINA, arm-in-arm with HELENA; PAN DAMAZY; a
moment later, ANTONI.
ZEGOCINA. (To the NOTARY, whom she has approached,
leaving HELENA) Well, how about it, notary? Will it work?
How do things look to you? Did you speak with him fpf your-
self?
NOTARY. Slowly, slowly, my dear lady, I am preparing the
ground.... Ohi...j In affairs of this kind, patience is the
main thing; haste might ruin everything.
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- 68 -
ZEGOCINA. I rely on you.--I seem to be progressing all
right so far. My insinuations have had their effect on him.
(To DAMAZY, who, standing near the table, is looking over the
food spread out there) You see, brother, what a modest spread.
DAMZY. Bless my soul, you must be joking. Ten hungry
men might eat their fill here.
ZEGOCINA. This is only a small appetizer. You gentle-
men must save your hunger for dinner. (Standing by the table)
And in the meantime, please eat what there is. (Looking
arotmd) But where is Seweryn? (To HELENA, who has remained
in the background, talking with AMTONI) Helena, dear, pleasei
DAMAZY. (Following her) My dear girl, don't hide your-
self in the corners; let us sit here together.
HELENA. Daddy dear, I am not at all hungry; really,
daddy.
DAMAZY. That makes no difference: sit here. What's up
now? ( ANTONI looks upset. )
HELENA. (Pouting) Oh, heavens I (She sits down beside
ZEGOCINA. )
DAMZY. (Catching sight of MANKA, who is_ standing at
one side) And little Marya?
ZEGOCINA. Who's that? (Restlessly, watching PAN
DAMAZY go to fetch MANKA) Oh, she has work to do.
DAMAZY, (Escorting her) Sit down too. (He seats
her beside HELENA. ZEGOCINA shrugs her shoulders. --To
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- 69 -
TYKALSKA, who Is walking up and down with her stocking and has
drawn near the table, making a place for her) Pleasel
TYTCALSKA. Thanks, my dear sir. (Returning to the bench)
I don't eat at this hour. (The company Is seated in the fol-
lowing order; at the left, the NOTARY; at the back, behind the
table, Z.EGOCINA, rtELENA, MANKA; at the right, PAN DAMAZY. ;
ZEGOCINA. But you gentlemen are accustomed to drink
vodka before eating. ^ Impatiently looking around ) Where
can oeweryn have hidden hlmselfV
DAMAZY. Yes, as it were, to drown du.ll care, bless my
soul.
ZEGOCINA. Jan, go find Pan Seweryn. Don't you knov;
where he is?
JAN. In his room. (H£ goes out. )
ANTONI. If you will allow me, aunt, ^ will talce his
place for the moment. (Pouring the vodka, to DAMZY) Your
health, sir?
DAMAZY. Bless my soul, with pleasure.
ZEGOCINA. (To the NOTARY, who sits with his elbows on
the table, hands folded, looking eagerly at the food. ) What
is our notary thinking about?
NOTARY. Dear lady, the sight of this, which you are
pleased to call a small appetizer, suggests to me a long series
of philosophical reflections.
DAMAZY. (Before drinking, to the NOTARY) To youV health.
•, S.-J^, .-•-
«
0
70 -
my dear sirl
NOTARY. ( Thanking him with a nod of his head) And if I
had the talent of the late Bishop of Wannia, I should write a
fable with the title. Men and Wolves. (He takes a glass. )
When a hvingry wolf s^t^zes a lamb or a calf, there are no bound-
aries to our indignation. (He drinks, looking at the meal with
greedy eyes. ) They encircle him with beaters, they pursue him,
they poison him, without considering that he is within his
rights, since nature did not create him herbivorous....
ZEGOCINA. Perhaps you'll have a piece of the pasty?
NOTARY. (Putting it on his plate) You are very kind. —
But when this hvunan being, although he has bread for the sat-
isfaction of his hiuiger, for the sake of luxury kills a lamb,
a pig, barbarlously hunts wild animals in order that he may have
the means to make such a pasty, no one even takes this ill of
him.
DAMAZY. I confess, my dear sir, that I should be the
first to do so.
JAN. (Coming in) Pan Seweryn is indisposed. He says
that he is not coming.
ZEGOCINA. Indisposed? What has happened to him? Menka,
«• Ignacy Kro.sicki (1755-1801) the most famous writer of fables
in Polish literature.
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please go find out.
TYKALSKA. (Rising) I will go. (Aside) That sister
of mine — she has no sense.--How could shel (She goes out. )
DAMAZY. (To MANKA) But aren't you 111 too? Your face
is flushed.
R'ANKA. (In a low tone ) My head aches. (She presses
her hand to her forehead. )
NOTARY. (Very busy with his eating) For example, do
you people not know Pan Tadeusz--Micklewlcz?*
DAMAZY. Tadeusz? I knew one Mlcklewlcz, but, bless my
soul, his name was Mark.
HELENA. But daddy dearl He Is speaking of Mlcklewlcz 's
poem, from which I read you some extracts-- (With a glance at
ANTONI) Pan Anton! brought it to me.
DAMAZY. Oh, sure enoughI--Can you beat It? Well, I beg
your pardon. (To the NOTARY) There is a notary In it too.
NOTARY. Then you know Zosla, as well.
DAMAZY. Oh yes, Zosla is in it, too.
NOTARY. Will you believe me, v^hen I saw the picture on
exhibition at Warsaw, a picture of this same Zosla, showing
how (declaiming) ;
"with pearl-white hand, from sieve, the grain she flings
Thick as a pearly hail, on heads and wings--"
in this idyll I perceived the bloodiest dramal
«■ Pan Tadeusz, by Mlcklewlcz (1798-1855), is an epic poem, the
most famous work in Polish literature.
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ANTONI. (Who l£ standing behind him leaning against the
side wings for support, and Intently watching HELENA, seated
opposite) And why so?
NOTARY. ( Turning towards him) Why? It's very plain.
On the surface It is a most Idealistic scene. (With a full
mouth) These geese, chickens, ducks. It Is all very fine; we
hear Zosla calling "chick, chick, chick." But penetrating
more deeply Into the situation, in the spirit of a philosopher,
(He drinks a glass of wine) with vihat purpose in view does
this idyllic Zosia throw them the grain? — In order to fatten
them — eh — eh- -eh- -And when they are fattened, with the same
white finger she orders her most beautiful favorites to be
killed — and that as a matter of course, in cold blood, as if
someone had given her the right to do sol
DAMAZY. How's that? Then I haven't the right, bless
my soul, to kill an ox when I have fattened him? That's fine!
Why the devil should I give him fodder, then?
NOTARY. (With a condescending smile) My dear sir, I
have no answer for that.
DAMAZY. I thought so. (He looks at him with compassion. )
ZEGOCINA. (To ANTONI, whom she has been observing im-
patiently) My dear Antonl, if you take the place of Seweryn,
you should be more observant. You have purposely taken a
position where you can make eyes at Manka.
DAMAZY. (Looking at ANTONI) Hm, hml (MANKA looks at
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ZEGOCINA in amazement » )
ZEGOCINA. And you do not observe that the notary has an
empty plate?
NOTARY. (To whom ANTONI has offered a dish) Radishes!
Oh nol Thanks very much, hut I am a carnivorous creature.
If you please, just a little salad. (He p;athers it in. )
DAMAZY. (Aside) Now this one is blushing againl (Aloud)
Helena, my dear, what is wrong with you?
HELENA. (Aside) Oh, plague take dadi (Rising, to MANKA)
Let' 3 go.
ZEGOCINA. You have eaten nothing.
HELENA. Thank you, auntie. (She kisses her hand , and
leaves the table. Aside) I'd like to hide under the earth.
He was just looking at me, not at Manka. (Putting her hand
to her face) My face fairly burns.
ZEGOCINA. Well, then let's not hinder these gentlemen.
(She gets U£ from the table, giving ANTONI a sign to fill
the NOTARY'S glass. )
ANTONI. (To the NOTARY, ironically, as he fills it.)
Really, sir, your views are very original and so profound that--
NOTARY. In me, sir, without boasting, lies--eh--eh--eh--
an enormous amount of material for a reformer of society, a
benefactor of humanity. (He helps himself once more. )
ANTONI. Not only of humanity, but of geese, ducks, calves,
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NOTARY. Joking aside, if I had a lighter pen--
ANTONI. (Walking away after filling the glass) And a
heavier head- -(He goes to HELENA.)
NOTARY. That's it. (After a moment, he reflects. )
What's that? (Aside) A heavier head — that sounds like sar-
casm*
ZEGOGINA. (Aside) He is evidently running after her —
and Seweryn Is not here. (To ANTONI, taking HELENA bj^ the
arm) Pan Antoni, you take too much upon yourself; you forget
that you are in your avmt's house, and that this gentleman
is her guest.
ANTONI. I did not know that this obliged me to listen
patiently to such trash.
ZEGOGINA. You are too yoxing to criticize people. (To
HELENA) Come, Helena, my love, we will take a walk in the
garden. (To ANTONI) Please fulfill here your position as
host decently. (They go out at the right. )
• DAMAZY. (Looking after them and drinking his glass
hurriedly) Bless my soul, I will go too. (He follows them.)
ANTONI. (Aside) This is a clear plot against me. They
won't allow me to come near her.
NOTARY. (Drinking his wine and lighting a cigar, aside)
It isn't worth while to confide in such yotuigsters. V/hat if
I had been quick-tempered too? (He goes out at the right,
casting at ANTONI a look of disdain. )
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- 75 -
SCENE VIII
MANKA, ANTONI, JAN (clearing the table)
ANTONI. I'm no adventurer, but I'd pick a quarrel with
anybody. I can't bear declamations, but I'd declaim whole
tirades on the perversities of humankind. (He paces up and
down.) They are turning that child's headi
MANKA. (Feverishly to JAN) Clear it off in a hurry.
( She sits down thoughtfully. )
ANTONI. (Sits mechanically down near her. After a moment)
Panna Marya, it seems to me that we may congratulate each other
mutually; we are traveling the same path, or rather are lost
on It.
MANKA. (Rousing herself from her thoughts) What did
you say?
ANTONI. The same danger threatens us both--our hearts.
MANKA. (Rising) Let me alone. I don't even know
whether I have a heart.
ANTONI. But you have, you have. --The fact that you can
feel is proof enough.
MANKA. What I feel may be capable of pulling up by the
roots everything that is rooted there. (After a moment ,
standing before him) Tell me, when you love truly, can you
deaden your feelings within you?
ANTONI. Very sublime aims are necessary for that: for
men, such an aim is a public cause, the good of the father-
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land J (With Irony) for women, a splendid match.
MANKA. That 's falsel
ANTONI. (With a bitter smile; False?
MANKA. You are too partial a Judge for us to come to
an Tinderstandlng.
ANTONI. (Also pacing up and down) You spoke of true
love J The question Is, what are the traits by which one may
recognize it.
MANKA. What do you call it, for Instance, when a man
swears to one girl, speaks to her passionately, and reaches
out for the hand of another?
ANTONI. Egotism. It Is the best proofi that he loves
no girl at all. Life with an Indifferent companion, when
another woman rules his heart, would be unbearable torture.
MANKA. If he loves, he would not take such a risk.
ANTONI. I don't think so.
MANKA. A man would not trample down, would not disdain
the feelings which he inspired.
ANTONI. Love without delicacy is a paradox.
MANKA. Especially if he were very much In love.
ANTONI. It's all one to him.
MANKA. (After a moment ) For such deceit, what remedy
would you prescribe?
ANTONI. Forget.
MANKA. And do you know a thought more terrible than ^f^^ ■
that what fills our hearts must be a delixsion which will
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- 77 -
vanish away?
ANTONI. True, but that thought is a remedy that restores
health.
MANKA. If it does not kill.
ANTONI. And that does happen, too, but in stories. Men
and women have more endurance.
MANKA. (To herself) Then he isn't in lovei
ANTONI. At any rate, the sooner the better. A smaller
dose will cure.
tlANKA. (To herself) Oh, I hate hlml (She takes out the
rose from her corsase and after a momentary struggle throws it
away. )
ANTONI. And what will become of my own dreams? --Everything
seems like a soap bubbl0--so much happiness, which will vanish
like a dream.
ciCENE IX
GENIO, MANKA, ANTONI
GENIO. (Coming in from the rear, with an umbrella and
with an overcoat over his armj Here, at any rate, I'll find
somebody-- (Approaching) Some country girl and her swain. I'll
wager they're not lovers, for they re not looking at each other;
then they re either brother and sister or husband and wife,
^j^fter a momen o , xhey don'^^t see me.
luANKA. V After a_ moment, rousing herself from her thoughts)
Pan AntonlJ
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GENIO. Hm, hml
MANKA. Ahl
GENIO. Peculiar circumstances force me to Introduce my-
self. (Aside) She's very pretty. (Aloud) I am Eugene
Bajdalski. I arrive on purpose to--
ANTONI. Geniol Bajdalski, my dear fellowl I see, I
seel Why the deuce didn't I recognize you at oncel
GENIO. Well, well, Antoni, old boyl You know, this is
a good one. How «re you?
ANTONI. How are you? (They embrace each other.)
GENIO. (To MANKA) We were at school together on the
same bench, my dear young lady —
ANTONI. But what brings you here to my aunt's?
GENIO. Why, are we at your aunt's? I didn't know it.
(Aside) Mighty pretty. (Aloud) Just Imagine, I arrive by
the straight road, like fish by express.
ANTONI. Where from?
GENIO. Why, from Warsaw, of course.
MANKA. If that's the case, you certainly must be hungry?
GENIO. Ah, how well you know how to read my--iny —
(Aside) I've begun to chatter, but never mind. (Aloud)
Really, to tell the truth--
MANKA. I will order them to get something ready this
very moment. (She goes out.)
GENIO. (Aside) She's a peach, on my so\ilI
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SCENE X
GENIO, ANTONI
ANTONI. Then you came from Warsaw?
GENIO. And in fact, on very Important business. Isn't
my old man here, perhaps?
ANTONI. What old man?
GENIO. Why, the pater.
ANTONI. What? Ohl Then Notary Bajdalski is your father?
GENIO. And, on the other hand, I am his son.
ANTONI. So?
GENIO. Does that surprise you? What's so unusual about
that?
ANTONI. Who says there is?
GENIO. Although really, just off-hand, no one would
suspect it. The old man has got seedy in the country. --And
what are you doing here? (Compassionately) You're getting
seedy, too.
ANTONI. I have a farm, I'm working.
GENIO. "I'm working, working." — They are fine with their
work on the farm, just to make an impression on us.--Bartek
plows, Bartek sows, and Ister things grow by themselves--and
they call it work. --Give me a kiss.
ANTONI. You always were, and you still are a chatterbox.
GENIO. The Bajdalskis have been chatterboxes for generations:
I glory in it. --But after all, what do you think? The Bajdalski
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family Is an old noble family, so old that they aren't even
mentioned in the heraldry.
ANTONI. You donkey]
SCENE XI
The same, the NOTARY
NOTARY. (Breathless) When did you arrive, without my
hearing of it? How are you?
GENIO. (Kissing him on the shoulder) How am I? First
of all, I'm hungry as a dog, but I've already found a guardian
angel, who has given me a gleam of hope.
NOTARY. (In his ear) Did you get the telegram?
GENIO. (Likewise; in a .joking tone) No.
ANTONI. You gentlemen certainly have something to talk
over between you. I'll not hinder you. (He goes out.)
NOTARY. What's that? You didn't get it?
GENIO. Father^ I see you have lost the habit of exact
thinking. But where' s your logic? Why should I have come
if I had not received the telegram?
NOTARY. (Impatiently) Please don't make a fool of your-
self, I see that you haven't yet lost that habit.
GENIO. But you are expressing yourself in an unparlia-
mentary fashion, father.
NOTARY. (As before) Listen, keep your jests to yourself.
It's all right in our own beer parties, but not here, and not
at this time, when it's a question of things of the highest
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importance. (After a. moment, looking; arcimd) Do you know
why I have brought you here?
GENIO. I do.
NOTARY. (An.azedJ You knowl Who told you?
GENIO. (Laughing) I've caught you again, father*
NOTARY. (Impatiently) Stop joking, for heaven's sake;
stop jokingl
GENIO. Well, then, I am listening. What's up?
NOTARY. (Looking around) There's a girl here, an heiress.
GENIO. Oh, I know it, I know it.
NOTARY. You know that already?
GENIO. That Is, I know that there is a girl, but I didn't
know she was an heiress. --So much the better.
NOTARY. (Impatiently) But who told you? How do you
know? Tell mei
GENIO. I've seen her. She's a marvell
NOTARY. What are you chattering about? Where did you
see her? Just now I left her in the garden.
GENIO. Well, there must be two of them, for a moment
ago there was one here, and--
NOTARY. Stupld--that one isn't worth counting.
GENIO. Ohl You don't sayl And why?
NOTARY. She is poor and a sort of orphan, a waif.
GENIO. What's that got to do with It? Mere prejudices —
bahi--I don't understand, father.
NOTARY. (Tearfully) How he chatters I How he chatters I
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- 82 -
GENIO. If there are two, my choice is already made--
unless the other one pleases me still more, which I doubt.
NOTARY. (Contemptuously) And you are a positivlstl
Shame 1
GENIO. Of the .purest sort, dad, I don't count my
chickens before they're hatched; and when I am hungry, I
have a loathing for dissertations. --Oh, I see some company
there. (He goes out at the right. )
NOTARY. (Following him) But wait, you scatterbrainl--
Eh--eh--eh--he' s a positivisti
iroy ' "1.
^
83 -
ACT III
Another room; three doors, one In the rear, two at the sides.
On the right side, towards the front, a sofa; in the back
at the left, a greenery*
SCENE I
SEWERYN, HELENA, seated beside each other on the sofa; later
ZEGOCINA, the NOTARY.
SKvVERYN. (Lolling, toying with the string of his glasses,
with a disdainful attitude) Evidently you refuse to under-
stand me.
HELENA. (Busy with a flower, which s}^ holds in her hand)
I beg your pardon, but the very curiosity that they attribute
to us women, might awaken that desire in me--but there are
things that it is impossible to understand.
SEWERYN. YOU cavil at words. It may be that I expressed
myself badly; I ought to have said: you are pretending that
you don't understand me.
HELENA. (Offended) Pretending!
SEvrERYN. rhen let us abandon this word-play: allow me
please to explain myself more clearly.
HELENA. (Taking a more favorable position at the other
end of the couch and looking boldly into his eyes) I am
listening!
SEWERYN. You know that your father, and my aunt likewise^
have the idea- -of our union.
■■;)
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- 84 -
nELENA. So it seems.
(At this moment, ^EGOG I NA and the NOTARY enter from the door
at the left. ^beelna; the tete-a-tete. z^EGOCINA makes a
happy gesture, detaining the I'jOTARY, who wants to go
farther; finally she pulls him after her and they re-
treat on their tip^ytoes. The NOTARY, leaving, unwillingly.
casts at them a discontented glance* --This action takes
place independently of the conversation that is going on.)
SEWERYN. Seeing that you know this, then you must under-
stand that all that I have said, was related to this principal
question.
HELENA. I guessed that very easily, but I am entirely
unable to understand some other things.
SEWERYN. For instance?
HELENA. For instance, in what way this project of our
guardians can bind us or ir.fluenc?^ us in our actions.
SEWERYN. (Astonished) How's that?
HELENA. (In a bantering tone) I think that, first of
all, we should inquire of our hearts, whether they are in
sympathy with each other.
SEWERYN. Have you asked yourself this question?
HELENA. (As before) And you?
SEWERYN. I? (Aside) Is she so naive, or is she sly?
(Aloud) That's a great ideal It seems to me that, by be-
ginning a conversation on this subject, I have already
- «t> -
answered that question on my o\vn side.
HELENA. (With an ironical smile, pickinpf; at her flower)
That's peculiar--we have known each other for just two days.
SEV/ERYN. Do you not believe, I will not say in love,
but in attraction at first sight?
HELENA. Oh, why not?
SEWERYN. (With a bow) In that case you should easily
explsin my step to yourself, a step on which I decided the
more readily because it coincided with my avmt's will.
HELENA. (After a moment of silence) I might be able
to explain this strange attraction to myself, if only--
SEWERYN. Strange?
HELENA. I beg your pardon for the expression, but
really it seems strange to me.
SEWERYN. Why?
HELENA. Because, as far as I can see, there coi;ld
yield to it only a heart that was entirely free.
SEWERYN. (Lookinp; at her askance) What leads you to
conclude that mine is occupied?
HELENA. (After a moment, striking the arm of the sofa
with the palm of her hand) Then give me your word of honor
that it is not so.
SEWERYN. (After a moment, ironically) Honor? Let me
tell you that this is the first time I have ever heard such
a guarantee requested in affairs of the heart.
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HELENA. (Rising) Then one might infer from that, that
these are the only affairs in which it is not binding.
SEi^'ERYN. (Aside, rising) Oh, that's bad; I see already
the work of Manka.
NOTARY. (Coming in hurriedly from the center door, aside)
I had hard work to get av/ay from the woman. (Going directly
to SEWERYN) OhJ ohl ohi I beg your pardon, I beg your par-
don most humbly; I did not know that I was interrupting such
a pleasant--eh--eh--eh--tete-a-tete. (He takes him by the
arm. ) '
HELENA. (Offended) Why tS"te-a-tete? You must be
Jokingl
NOTARY. You must forgive me for taking Pan Seweryn away,
but rather important business--
HELENA. Go ahead and take him. That's finel
NOTARY. I know that I am causing you annoyance by this,
but--
HELENA. . My dear sir, it doesn't make the slightest bit
of difference to me. --What of it? (Shrugging her shoulders,
she goes to the greenery)
NOTARY. (To SEWERYN) I am helping you as well as I can--
SEWERYN. (Gloomily) Rather you are purposely spoiling
things.
NOTARY. (Good-humoredly) Why, how's that?
SEWERYN. It looks like that*--What sort of business is it?
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NOTARY. A little conference with your aunt, at v/hlch
your presence is reouired, Pan Sev/eryn. (To HELENA) I beg
your pardon most humbly. ( They go out at the left. )
SCENE II
HELENA, alone
HELENA. (Looking after them and shrug^in^ her shoulders)
Queer freakl (After a moment) But I've grown three feet in
my own eyesr-It seems to me that I played my part well.--I
gave it to him about Manl-cai — Oh, my sweet boy, it seemed to
you that you had struck a country lamb, whom you might de-
ceive easily. --Hml --Of coursei--( After a moment) But truly,
what started me off like this? I don't recognize myself--
for at the beginning, having a presentiment of whet he would
talk about, on my honor, I felt really frightened, Just as
that time when Antoni proposed to me. --But what a difference!
That time both of us trembled like leaves. I don't know
about him, but I didn't see a thing before me--not even him. --
But this man--he gave me a chill somehowl--The abominable
actor J (After a moment) Hal hai hal He spoke of attraction
at first sight; he thought that he would disarm me by that.--
Eh, it's evident that if you are indifferent, a man is not
the least bit dangerous. (With her ainns folded across her
bosom, she paces up and down across the stage with proud steps. )
; f • ■ )•■•
•
- 88 -
SCENE III
HELENA, PAN DAMAZY
DAMAZY. (with his pipe, comes In the centafaJ. door^;
seeing HELENA, he stops and fcllovys her with his eyes. She
proes up and down a few times, seeing nothing; then cgtching
sight of him, when he has drawn nearer, she stops before him,
curtesying and clapping her hands with Indications of Joy.
He takes her by the arm. ) It's very well that I have caught
you here alone; we have a bone to pick with each other, bless
my soul.
HELENA. (Aside) Ohoi
DAMAZY. Sit down. (They go to the sofa. )
HELENA. (Sitting down in the s ame place as before, aside)
There will be another scene.
DAIAAZY. I must have a talk with you once for all; once
for all, as the Lord has commanded.
HELENA. (With mock seriousness) What about?
DAMAZY (Gruffly, tapping his foot) What airs are thesei
Listen to what I sayl Yesi OhI (He takes her by the arm
and seats her near him. )
HELENA. (Aside) Oh, it's going to be worse with daddy,
( Kissing his hand stealthily. )
DAMiAZY. My dear child, I would rather have ten boys than
one girl, bless my soul.
HELENA. ( In a coaxing manner) What? Me? Me? And
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- 89 -
you say that to me, daddy?
DAMAZY. Yes, I say It, and I won't take it backl
HELENA. (As before) Why?
DAMAZY. Well, because I have so much trouble with you--
I don't know how to act or what to think. First there was
Pan Antoni, then Pan Seweryn, and now Pan Antoni againl
HELENA. How's that? Am I such a flirt?
DAMAZY. Oh, let me alone, for with these caresses I
shall be no wiser than I was--and I must know once for all
how things stand. --First Pan Antoni began to visit us; I saw
Immediately that it was not for nothing, and that you seemed
to like him. (HELENA lowers her eyes. ) I thought to myself:
hm, an honest fellowj he doesn't have much, it's true, but
he's industrious, thrifty) if this should come to anything,
then God's will be done I (HELENA kisses his hand. ) Now
pleasel — I tried to sound you out, I asked you outright, ^ow
about this Antoni, bless my soulj and you, (Imitating) "Tsl tsl
For heaven's sake, how should I knowl" More of the same, and
then expect me to understand!
HELENA. (In a pained voice) You are always this way
with me, daddy.
DAMAZY. (Impatiently) Be quiet! Listen. Then I per-
suaded myself that so far as you were concerned it was only
fiddle-faddle, bless my soul, and that you would get him out
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of your head easily, if something better came along. There-
fore, since your aunt for the sake of sacred harmony, proposed
to give me a part of the estate and Seweryn for a son-in-law,
I accepted.
HELENA. How was that possible?
DAMAZY. What's that? Why, I asked you and you agreed.
HELENA. What? You asked me about it?
DAMZY. Now just look at heri Didn't I ask you plainly:
"How does Seweryn suit you?" Those very words. --And what did
you say?
HELENA. What could I say?
DAMAZY. You see, that's the way you arel--Didn't you say
that he was good-looking? Tell mel
HELENA. Well, he is good-looking; he's not humpbacked,
blind, or lame.
DAMAZY. Welli
HELENA. But what of that. You should have asked me
plainly, daddy: "Should you like him for a husband?"
DAMAZY. (Twiddling his fingers) Hm, hm, hml Couldn't
you have guessed why I was asking you?
HELENA. I beg your pardon, daddy, you only asked if he
was good-looking. Just as you would about anybody else. And if
I answered that he was good-looking, why, that's a remarkable
thing, I supposel There are so many good-looking people.
(Caressingly) Aren't you good-looking, too, daddy?
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- 91 -
DAMAZY. Well, well. (Aside) What trick is she up to
now? (Aloud) All in all, I thought that he pleased you, and
therefore I was not opposed, bless my soul. --Meantime, yester-
day at lunch, I looked at you; and you were as cross with him
as if you had drunk vinegar. --But that's nothing. Now this
moming--
HELENA. ( Throwing herself on his neck, ashamed) Daddy I
DAMAZY. So you see, you're ashamed. I came upon you in
the garden with Antoni, and I saw him kissing your hands.
HELENA. Only once or twice.
DAMAZY. (Softened) How could you allow it?
HELENA. (After a moment, hiding her head on his breast)
If I love him —
DAMZY. (After a moment) Aha, you love himl That's
another thing. (Rising) Well, you see, you couldn't tell me
that immediately.
HELENA. (Rising, aside) Well, well, I've got my breathl--
Once more I don't know where I got such courage.
DAMAZY. (Pacing up and down) Hm, hm, I am curious to
know what to do now.--
HELENA. (In_a pleading tone) Let's go home.
DAMAZY. Reallyi What did we come here fori (Pacing up
and down, after a moment; But my child, it might be worth while
to consider. --Hm, hm, as you see, this estate--that would be
worth something,
HELENA. What's the estate to mei
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DAMAZY. Ah, of coursel That's the way they talk, and
later, do what you wish — sit and cryl (After a moment ) And
finally, how can vie give such a downright answer to your aunt,
when I have already half accepted her. --You have put me in a
tight fix.
HELENA. I'll tell you how, daddy: first of all, diplomatic-
ally.
DAMAZY. Well, for example?
HELENA. Be polite with auntie, nice, but non-commltal.
DAMAZY . ( Ironically ) Aha 1
HELENA. And meanwhile, at the first chance, take to our
heels, and let her do as she pleases/
DAIAAZY. (As before) Fine diplomacy 1 She has a head like
cismarck, bless my soulJ .
HELENA. And when we are home, you will write a nice
letter, daddv.
ivAKAZY. Ohol You don c cauch me doing onac
ii^LBNA. We'll both of us compose it, we ■ 11 ask ^ an
Antonl. (Looking him in the eyes. All right? (DAMAZY says
nothing; he only thoughtfully twirls his mustache. ) Well,
then its all right. -- ( G lapping her hands ) Now we've only to
pack our bags.
DAMAZY. Wait, waiti Slowly, we'll see.
HELENA. What do you mean by we '11 see."
DAMAZY. Well, we'll see. ^He paces up and down. )
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- 93 -
HELENA. No, no, right away. Daddy is always too ready
to think things over. — Ni*4 (She runs out at the right, meet-
ing the NOTARY, who bows and greets her with a movement of his
hand. )
SCENE IV.
PAN DAMAZY, the NOTARY.
DAMZY. (Absorbed in thought ) My poor kiddie 1 How much
worry I have about her future! (After a moment) They say that
money is a trifle; but, just the same, if I had a good dowry
for her, it seems to me that I should rest easier.
NOTARY. (Who has tarried a moment in the rear, looking
longingly after HELENA, drawing near) What a comfort to hai/ e
such a daughterl
DAMAZY. Hmi Gomforti --More trouble, bless my soull
NOTARY. I look with delight upon Panna Helena. Such
harmonious--eh--eh--eh--beauty, I hsve not for a long time
had the good fortune to see.
DAMAZY. (Pleased, jokingly) You are a judge of such
things?
NOTARY. An able judge for many years, my dear sir,
without boasting.
DAMAZY. They say she resembles me.
NOTARY. Really, as far as a young girl can have any
resemblance to a grown man, Panna Helena looks like--eh--eh--
eh--her dad--especially somthing about the nose.
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- 94 -
DAMAZY. Yes, I always say that, too, bless my soul.
NOTARY. (After a moment ) And he dotes on her, and
cherishes her like a picture, and then--
DAMAZY. Well, what then?
NOTARY. Someone takes her for his own, and God knows
what will happen.
DAMAZY. Well, you seel And then you say she Is a comfort--
when there Is only trouble--dlstre3sl
NOTARY. Hml That's true, too--on my wordl OhI I am
a father myself, my dear sir — I understand It all well.
DAMAZY. You also have a daughter? I congratulate you.
NOTARY. Only a son.
DAMAZY. That young fellow who arrived yesterday?
NOTARY. He's the one. How did he strike you?
DAMAZY. All right--! can't say. — A lively fellow--and
you know, I don't like them slow.
NOTARY. I took pains with his education, without boasting,
even stinting my own table. He has a position with an insur-
ance company, and on the side, he's an author.
DAMAZY. An author? Bahl--He writes for the papers?
NOTARY. That's itl Articles on political economy and
the positivlst philosophy.
DAMAZY. Well, well, that's very nice, such talent on
his part. Indeed I suspected him. Yesterday the way he
began at supper, bless my soul, about participles and prepo-
- 95 -
sitlons^ I was quite at a loss; but it slipped out of his
mouth, bless my soul, like water over a mill wheel.
NOTARY. He has already a fine income, for aside from
his salary the newspaper pays him by the line.
DAMAZY. By the line, reallyl (After a moment of reflec-
tion) How's that, by the line?
NOTARY. For every line that he writes. (He makes a
gesture, as if he were counting the money. )
DAMAZY. Well, well, how nice that isl (Aside) I should
get a little.
NOTARY. In Warsaw they are forcing him upon a girl who
has half a million dowry. (After a moment ) What do you think
of the proposition of your sister-in-law?
DAIAZY. I don't know of any proposition.
NOTARY. I am not surprised at your caution --but, sir,
I know more than you think, by far. --Of course Pan Seweryn
is to bo your son-in-law.
DAMAZY. First I've heard of it.
NOTARY. (Looks at him, goes to the door, then mysteriously)
Give me your word of honor.
DAMAZY. (Amazed) And what about?
NOTARY. Give me your word of honor that you will not
repeat to anybody what I tell you.
DAMAZY. Well, what is it?
NOTARY. But give me your word of honor. You will be
- 96 -
free to make use of this for your own benefit — It is a
question only of this, that no one should know that the
warning came from me.
DAMAZY. Warning?
NOTARY. My conscience bids me to proceed thus. Well,
do you give me your word?
DAMAZY. If it is so important, I give it — but —
NOTARY. I desire no more. Without boasting, you will
apprec iate my procedure in this matter when you learn the
facts. (After a moment, mysteriously in his ear, making a
trumpet with both hands) Do you know about his relations
with Manka, the ward of your sister-in-law?
DAMJVZY. (Excitedly) What's that? What relations?
NOTARY. (Significantly) You can guess.
DAMAZY. (Violently) A love-affair, is it?
NOTARY. Fohi And a bad one at thati
DAMAZY. But you must be dreaming; it isn't possiblel
NOTARY. I shouldn't say so if I didn't have proofs.
DAMAZY. How's that? Are there proofs!
NOTARY. Only moral ones, to be sure, but there are.
DAMAZY, But that would be the worst sort of baseness!
NOTARY. (In a lower voice) Vileness, sir!
DAMAZY. Right under the nose of two women who have
nothing to busy themselves about. Then is that the way they
have protected her!
- yy -
NOTARY. (In his ear) My dear sir, they have winked
at it. That's obvious.
DAMAZY. That calls for vengeance! Especially since
she is our relative*
NOTARY. Relative? I didn't know that.
DAJvlAZY. The deceased, as her uncle, ought by no means
to have left her to the kindness of his wife. He must have
made some sort of provision for her. Show me his will.
NOTARY. His will? (As if to himself) Who even knows
whether there is one?
DAMAZY. They're reputed to have made a mutual agreement.-
But it isn't likely that he would forget entirely that girl.--
Show me his willl
NOTARY. You have a perfect right to go into--eh--eh--eh--
the state of affairs; and in this connection I remind you--
that in case of any difficulties, complications, legal intri-
cacieS; (With outstretched hand, walking after him) I am
at your service; that you will profit thereby, I can, without
boasting, assure you.
DAMAZY. What's that to me?--My interests don't covmtl
My only concern is whether he did something for herl And if
he forgot, and if they are going to have that sort of guardian-
ship over her, I will take the girl with me, so help me Godl
(Walking away) A fine state of things, bless my soull (He
goes out at the right . )
€
- 98 -
SCENE V
The NOTARY, alone, rubbing his hands, snapping his fingers,
and making various gestures of satisfaction.
NOTARY. I succeeded, although he went a little farther
than I had planned. I didn' t think th* he would Inquire
about the will for the sake of that girl. --He will find out
a little too soon. --But It doesn't matter--I shall manage to
become necessary to him, and persuade him that he can do
nothing without my advice. (After a moment ) He's playing
a disinterested part now, but just let him smell something
and he will change his color--I know men. (He sits down on
the sofa. ) Well, my dear notary, Just act wisely nowl Be
a good diplomat and strategist! — If only that scamp Genlo
doesn't spoil my plans. i haven't seen him sitting next to
her even once — and today he has been on the go since morning.
oCENE VI
a- _
LIANKA, with a watering pot, and aENIO^ coming in at the aiddlo
door£; the NOTARY, on the sofa.
GENIO. (Continuing the conversation) Panna Marya, at
all events, you owe me an answer; when I hear it, I will no
longer Intrude.
MANaA. V Going to tho flowers) But you are misinter-
preting my words, — Do I call this Intrusion.
GENIO. No? — Well, I thank you then. i regard this as
half sin answer to my Question.
I
i
%)
- 99 -
luANKA. You will not hear the rest.
GENIO. Why? You yourself do not \mderstand what you
experience; and on my part, it would be audacity to permit
myself any inquiries when you are in such a state. i only
put forward a general thesis, in the form of a psychological
problem, which you must solve, although you may have to
trouble your little head somewhat.
MANKA. You talk to me so strangely.
GENIO. In a language to which you are vmac customed?
So much the better; the treatment to which an organism is
unaccustomed, works more efficiently.
MANKA. Do you wish to cure me?
GENIO. Exactly so.
MANKA. You have set yourself a difficult task.
GENIO. The greater value will a favorable result have
for me.
MANKA. Then you think that you will succeed?
GENIO. I think I can count on It.
MANKA. And on what do you base that hope?
GENIO. On the everlasting axiom that truth sooner or
later will triumphi ( Taking her watering pot) Allow me, I
will take your place. (He pours the water where she cannot
reach.) On the fact that, v^orking frankly, I have an open
face, on which you may read all my thoughts, for I do not put on
a mask like those who use deceit as a weapon. (He_ mounts a
«<
- 100 -
higher step,)
NOTARY. (who for several moments has been watching
them from the sofa v/lth open mouth) He'll break his neck yet.
MANKA. This Is all quite new to me — you are opening
up a new world.
GENIO. (Jumping down) What may I expect for It?
MANKA. (Taking her watering pot) Gratitude, in any case.
GENIO. For the present I will he satisfied with that.
(MANKA goes out through the central doors; he bays to her
respectfully. )
SCENE VII
GENIO, the NOTARY
NOTARY. (Rising, to GENIO) What's up?
GENIO. Ahal
NOTARY. What villainy is this, you scampi
GENIO. Just be a little more parliamentary, I beg
you, fatherl
NOTARY. You're playing the fool again, but I tell you
you've chosen the wrong time.
GENIO. Seeing that our temperaments are probably just
now about a hundred miles apart, and because we should not
understand each other, I depart.
NOTARY. Please stay.
GENIO. What' s up? (He takes a chair and sits on it
hind aide before. )
i
i
- 101 -
NOTARY. (Standing over him) Tell me first what you
are--eh — eh--eh--for I cannot understand you. A positlvlst?
anc^ Idealist? or what?
GENIO. Just now I am a physician.
NOTARY. A physician?
GENIO. (Poetically) A physician of a sad and sorely
wOTonded soul; if my method succeeds, I shall seek in this
soul a spirit kindred to my own.
NOTARY. Out of his headl fli — eh — eh — clean out of
his headl Don't get me impatient but listen to what I
tell you. I ordered you to come here for your own benefit.
GENIO. I hurried here at your summons like an obedient
son.
NOTARY. Then listen further. — Th^re is in this house
an heiress.
GENIO. After poetry, the meanest prosel
NOTARY. (Restraining his anger) I beg you, put your
poetry in your pocket, and get ready for some prose, for I
cannot speak otherwise. (After a moment) There is an heir-
ess for whose hand I have prepared your way; and you, I
don't know why, don't even look at her. (Scoffing) Do
you lack courage because you consider that the value of
her dowry is too high in comparison with your own value?
GENIO. Hal hal hal I doubt whether you cou]d find me
a man whose conceit did not whisper good opinions of himself.
m
i
- 102 -
What? Should the value of the dowry decide the value of the
lady and her superiority over me? Bahi That would be to
put money on an altar of which it is iinworthy.
NOTARY. Worthy or not worthy, what conclusion do you
draw from what you have said?
GENIO. That I should consider every scruple of that
sort an untimely prejudice.
ROTARY. The first wise word you have said; I see that
you are a positivist.
GENIO. (With a smile) But, on the other hand, I hold
the hunt for money exclusively, to be nonsense, which I
leave to such unpractical people as the idealists.
NOTARY. (Desperately) Will you never tske off your
fool's cap^
GENIO. (In a good-humored tone) As an adherent of
the positivist method, you should know, father, that first
of all, it seeks facts--and we must admit as a fact that
there is in nan a heart, which is a veritable treasury of
moral delights, and that if we deaden its beating, we con-
sciously condemn ourselves to a series of deviations from
our true faith, which may lead us astray--
NOTARY. Eh — he's gone crszyl
GENIO. (As before) Speculation on the hand of a woman
in the anticipation of pecuniary benefit, is a proof of
impotence, to which a man is brought who carries his head
'.:-o*-- -•=■-
in the clouds. I regard the heart and love as a precious
capital, which used in the company of a chosen companion
brings in high interest such as no Jew would dare dream of.
NOTARY. Listen, are you making fun of me?
GENIO. (Rising) I told you that if we do not under-
stand each other, I can leave!
NOTARY. Wait, you vinhappy boy, let us talk like men,
not like half-wltsi--Doesn' t that squire's daughter please
you?
GENIO. Yes Indeed, she's a nice little girl, and if
we were both free, who knows--?
NOTARY. How's that, both free? What do you mean, she
is free, and you, I hope--
GENIO. I beg your pardon, father — she has a fiance.
NOTARY. She hasn't, that's been broken.
GENIO. What? Broken with Antonil I don't believe
that.
NOTARY, With what Antoni?
GENIO. With the brother of the fellow whom they wish
to force on her for the sake of some family prospects.
NOTARY. So that dull-wit is making after her? That's
no thing 1
GENIO. He confided in me as a school-fellow. What,
speaking as a posltivist, since you so plainly like the
word, father, could he call my procedure, if knowing about
this, I stepped in his way?
'»Tr\ n * T~i^r
n ^ -^ _— ^«. .««. ,.»^ **^ t 'D-ii-t- T 4"ATn TTOT1 "hVio-h
- 104 -
nothing will ever come of iti
GENIO. That's not my affair. And furthermore, that
girl whom you saw here a moment ago, father, is the one for
me.
NOTARY. What? That waif, that girl of loose morals
who is trifling with Seweryn?
GENIO. (Severely) Please, father, there's a limit
to everything, even jokes.
NOTARY. And I have lived to see such a comforti But
you unhappy boy, you've been taken inl
GENIO. I know all about it from Antoni. His brother
tried to take advantage of her position here, and now with
unworthy intentions he has deserted her without regard to
the condition of her heart.
NOTARY. That's so, for she is blindly infatuated with
him. (Scoff ingly) And you, notwithstanding, want to entice
her away from him, and in such a hurry?--I don't know whether
that is stupidity or conceit]
GENIO. (Touched) I have mentioned that I am appearing
only in the role of physician. If I tried to assvime another
just now, I should be an absolute idiot, and positivism
teaches that that is the worst qualification for attaining
any end whatever.
NOTARY. Go to the devil with your positivisml (He
- 105 -
paces up and down. After a moment) Well, then all in all
I am ruined, struck down by my own son J
GENIO. We'll talk when you are In a state to listen
more coolly, father.
NOTARY. I'll curse youl
GENIO. After more careful consideration, you won't do
that, father.
NOTARY. I Willi
GENIO. At all events, reflection will not hurt you.
(He goes out at the center. )
SCENE VIII
The NOTARY, alone.
NOTARY. So these are the results of a conceited
booby's getting his head turned. I warrant that in his own
conviction he is a giant of uprightness and virtue--and his
father, naturally, is making a fool of himself. — Why? Be-
cause he wants his child to be fortunate. (After a moment)
A great crime, which out of a hundred couples who unite,
at least some ninety commit without scruplesl
SCENE IX
HELENA, the NOTARY, later TYKALSKA, later ANTONI, later
PAN DAMAZY.
HELENA. (With her hat and wrap on her arm, running in
from the left) Pan Antonil Where is Pan Antoni? (To the
^
- 106 -
NOTARY) Haven't you seen Pan Antoni, air?
NOTARY. Is this a madhouse, or what? (He looks sur-
prised. )
HELENA. I must see himi (She rvins out by the middle
doors, for a moment . )
NOTARY. What does she want with him? Looks as if
Genio was right.
TYKALSKA. (Coming in hastily, also from the left, and
pinning her stocking to her waist. ) Helena dearl (To the
NOTARY) Why are you standing still, as if you were a post?
Go after herj Something has happened here.
NOTARY. (Impatiently) What has happened? (HELENA,
returning, runs out on the right. )
TYKALSKA. I don't know, on my honor. Pan Damazy has
locked himself up with sister and they seem to be quarreling,
Helena ran out as if she had been scalded and she's looking
for Antoni--! don't know why. We must keep an eye on them,
my dear sir.
HELENA. (From the right, leading in ANTONI, and taking
from him the book which he has been reading) Put down that
book, and run to order the team. (She puts on her cloak. )
You have your own horses here, haven't you?
ANTONI. I have. What's this; who's fainted? Send
for the doctor?
HELENA. The ideai Order the team as quickly as
possible! --Daddy is very cross.
I
- 107 -
ANTOKI. At whom? What about?
HELENA. You must take us, for we have no horses here.
( Impatiently; You must know that we came in auntie's car-
riage. --
ANTONI. All right I Only where do you want to go? Home?
HELENA. Home, to our own house. — We'll go together;
I'll be more at ease with you.
TYKALSKA. But Helena dear, stop a bit. (To the
NOTARY) My dear sir, go see what has caused all this.
NOTARY. Oh, please let me alonel Who's telling me to
pinch my fingers in the door?
HELENA. My dearest Pan Antoni, you're the only man I
have faith in J (In a low tone) I've told daddy J everything
will be all right. Just you order the horses brought right
away; then we'll take daddy away from there.
ANTONI. Prom where?
HELENA. Prom auntie. He's reproaching her about some-
thing or other--about some will. Auntie started to faint,
but she came to.
hNTONI. (With a smile) Well, that's nothing terrible.
HELENA. How horrid you arei You're laughing, aid I'm
trembling all over.
ANTONI. Just be calm; we'll go right away, seeing that
you want to. ^In a lower tone ) I shall carry my treasure
away.
. '.:>:
CI
- 108 -
HELENA. What treasureV Ohl All right, all right;
only hurry up, my dearest hoyl--I'll be so grateful to you.
ANTONI. (In a low tone; And your fnthen
HELENA. He has already consented to everything. (Push-
ing him) Hurry upi Hurry upi-( ANTONI goes out by the center
door. To TYKALSKA) Dear lady, i have left several things
in your room. vThe raised voices of ^EGOCINA and i^AMAZY are
heard. )
DAMAZY. ( Behind the scenes; Meanwhile please order
horses for me*
HELENA. Oh, for heavens sakel They're coming here, and
they are quarreling soi
DAI^AZY. (Coming in at the left) Helenai Cornel —
We're goingi--We' ve nothing more to do here. (He goes out
v/ith her through the center door. )
TYKALSKA. Good Lordi (She starts to follow them, but
returns, when she sees her sister. )
SCENE X
The NOTARY; TYKALSKA; ZEGOCINA, from the left, supported
by SEWERYNi later MANKA; then GENIO.
ZEGOCINA. (Melodramatically) In my house. In my o-Am
house, to hear such impertinencel After so many years of
self-denial, to live to see such a reward! Oh, but they
haven't driven me out yetl (To SEIVERYN) Where are my
.:/..
. >•? :.A'
r • ■ o/ ■;
r I
:'■ ■' v^- r'
i?::
u -. r . • ■ c
o:-
■-■•I
■-.'■■!.J
- 109 -
smelling salts?--
SEWERYN. Manka will bring them right away.
ZEGOCINA Mankal
MANKA. (Coming in at the left) Here they are.
ZEGOCINA. (Infuriated, in a trembling voice) Begonel
Out of my house]
TYKALSKA. (Wringing her hands) Sisterl (To SEWERYN)
Seweryn, protect herl
SEWERYN. (Aside) That'd be a fine ideal
ZEGOCINA. (As before) I have fostered a viper, a
viper] Now there is no more honesty] You can rely on noth-
ing] Get out]
TYKALSKA. (Weeping) But where will she go?
ZEGOCINA. And you're still annoying meJ It's your
fault. You should have kept watch of them.
TYKALSKA. (To Manka) Come, come out of her sight 1
(She takes her in her arms. )
MANKA. (In a trembling voice) But first I should like
to know what you accuse me of.
ZEGOCINA. (In a burning fury) What I accuse you of]
You abominable flirtl--And what about those relations of
yours that they reproach me with now, throwing them in my
face; those relations that have got in the way of ray most
honorable intentions, and disturbed the harmony of the
family?
" '..''(•'[ [ '■
CO -'.^i^;:'
'■\\.:''(
•,v,> •!
-',• f i V ^-'i
( ■:■ /
(' ■ I ^ ■ * I <^"'' f""
- 110 -
MNKA. (A£ before) Ask that of this gentleman who is
silent as a schoolboy afraid of punishment.
SEWERYN. (Walking past her, in a low tone) Mankal--
Are you madJ You'll not accomplish anything this way.
MANKA. (Contemptuously) You--scoxindreli
SEWERYN. (Aside) Charming scenesi
ZEGOCINA. (At the height of her passion) What audacity!
Be quiet, you kitchen wench; he is your master, you understand!
If you forgot that, it's no wonder that your head was turned.
( MANKA bursts into tears, hiding her face in her hands. )
TYKALSKA. (Rushes to ZEGOCINA) Sister, for the love of
heaveni (ZEGOCINA bursts into spasmodic sobbing. )
GENIO. (Who has entered a moment ago from the right^
with the greatest contempt, to SEVvERYN, who is making a_ stealthy
attempt to reach the exit) What's this, sir? A retreat?
Perhaps it is convenient, but it is not necessarily honorable.
SEWERYN. What^ /
GENIO. (In a voice low but emphatic) You miserable
wretchi
SEWERYN. (Confused) You will answer to me for those
words. (GENIO answers with a laugh full of contempt- -aside)
But I got into thiaJ Serves me rightl (He goes out at the
right. )
MANKA. (In a choking voice, to ZEGOCINA) Please have
pity on me, mistress!
• :i \ - J
■f. ■■'. :
'-^t. :■'-{;
- Ill -
ZEGOCINA. (Leaplnpr at her with clenched fists) Get
outi Get outi--
GENIO. (Stepping between them and protecting MANKA
from ZEGOCINA with his elbow; with the greatest indignation)
With your permission, too much excitement may do you harm.--
(To MANKA, offering her his arm) May I?
NOTARY. (Aside) What is that donkey butting in for?
Such chivalryi
ZEGOCINA. (After a moment of stupefaction) What's
this? What does this man want?
GENIO. This man is doing you a f avor--nothing more.
(To MANKA) I am at your service. (He leads her to the rear. )
TZKALSKA. Come herel Come herel Mary mother, what has
happened! (She follows them, sheltering MANIvA with her aims.
They go out by the centaaa-l door. )
SCENE XI
ZEGOCINA, the NOTARY
ZEGOCINA. (Pacing up and down with quick steps) What
was all this abouti What was iti Notaryl
NOTARY. (Aside, ironically) She doesn't know what it
wasl
ZEGOCINA. (More vigorously, stepping before him with
arms outspread) Notaryl
NOTARY. (Drawing back) First of all, I advise you to
■c-'\'- '"'" '^i' v=?'i' c* '-';<-. ~ J i^'C!-' r{D,Lmv oo;i .r:
w ., iJ--i i ■
vT . 1
'. ■ :.! '^^ -: ;■'
.~'='iu:<
A Pi>':) it^^i--
■">
- 112 -
be calm. (Aside; How charming she is nowl
ZEGOCINA. Be calmi I have to be calm when everything
is lostl--Some evil spirit opened the eyes of that brute. —
He demanded the will, he threatened me with the courts — with
sealing up my propertyi That's the way he thanks me for what
I wanted to do for himi
NOTARY. Dear lady, to believe in imm&n sensibility,
is to conspire against yourself.
ZEGOCINA. Wretchesi Wretchesl
NOTARY. You cannot count on your own flesh and bloodi
ZEGOCINA. I am lost, stripped of everything! (She falls
into his arms and trembles spasmodically. )
NOTARY. (Aside) Muski--It gets up my nose.
ZEGOCINA. (After a moment, gradually freeing herself
f^om his embrace, aside) Ah, what a thought* (Pondering)
That is the only means of help. (With feeling) Notary, now
all my hopes are in you.
NOTARY. (Restlessly; But what can I--?
ZEGOCINA. With such a knowledge of law — with your brains,
you will be a match for it. --Of course, it will be necessary
to dispute the most proper claims, to plead in court. --Oh,
you will preserve the property from ruin.
Ye -«-«*/
ImOTARY. (Aside) Yoahl All fb r your pretty eyesi
(Aloud) I should do willlngly--eh--eh--eh — what I could--
but, dear lady, a man with so many aff airs--eh--eh--eh--and
T'.;. r ■*'
- 115
duties--
ZEGOCINA. Sit down. ( They sit down on the sofa) After
all, this is for our common good.
NOTARY. (Puzzled) What do you mean by cornmon?
ZEGOCINA. (Wringing her hands) Would you retreat? —
And abandon me at this moment?
NOTARY. (Not knowing what to say) Dear lady--eh — eh--
ZEGOCINA. (Suddenly) Or perhaps I misunderstood even
you. (After a moment, lowering her eyes) You remember,
when you cam.e here, you made me a propoaitioni
NOTARY. A proposition?
ZEGOCINA. (A3_ before) I did not answer, for what woman
could decide in a single raoment?--
NCTARY. (Suddenly comprehending, aside) Well, v/ell,
well--come to think of it, that might be the best combination.
ZEGOCINA. You say nothing? Ah, do not force me to
blush at those recollectlonsi
NOTARY. (Eagerly) Dear lady, I have always been your
worshiper--eh--eh— eh--and servant. You words will be sacred
commandments to me. (Aside) I shall never forgive myself
for opening the eyes of that squire. --Now it will be more
difficult.
ZEGOCINA. (Lowering her eyes) You asked me whether
I was not thinking of a new \anion.
NOTARY. (Drawing near) You answered me evasively.
<! fh^:"i'<: :;.;■ V
. %. ~' ■ < I-.1
M .(;o\
ii^ c
'i.sl
n-'^t
- 114 -
ZEGOCINA. (Modestly) Put yourself in ray position.
How was I to act?
NOTARY. And I hardly recovered from it. Why, I went
around in a daze. (He tqkes her hand and kisses it. )
ZEGOCINA. Today, after profound consideration —
NOTARY. (Patting her hand) Hel hei hel
ZEGOCINA. (Tragically) Especially after that scene,
which has convinced me that a woman without the protection
of a man is —
NOTARY. (As before) An anomaly- -eh- -eh- -eh.
ZEGOCINA. (Laying her head on his breast) Notary,
work for yourself — I confide to you--
NOTARY. (Aside, opening his mouth and wrinkling his
nose to keep from sneezing) Muskl
ZEGOCINA. Myself, and all my interests. (Aside)
How he smells of snuff--lt makes me sneezei (Aloud) Do
you use snuff?
NOTARY. Somev/hat.--Por my eyes. (Again, as above,
he makes an effort. After a moment) So it's agreed.
ZEGOCINA. I beg your pardoni (She sneezes after
fruitless efforts. ) Agreedl
NOTARY. (Sneezing powerfully) And the contract is
made. (He kisses her hand. )
ZEGOCINA. To deathi
#'
t- f ..
- 115 -
ACT IV
The same room as in the preceding act.
SCENE I
MANKA and HELENA, dressed for the .journey, are seated In
the rear. ANTOKI, also dressed for the journey, with
his hat in his hand, is pacing up and down the room.
HELENA. (Sits for some time in silence. After a moment)
What daddy's up to, I can't make out. He shouted for horses,
he said to get ready (Imitating his tone) lickety-cutl And
now he is sitting there.
ANTONI. The notary is detaining him. They are having
some sort of a consiiltation. Have a little patiencel
HELENA. Patiencei I don't want to be here a minute
longer. It is so oppressive, so suffocating. (She rises and
goes to the windov/ at the right. ) The horses have stood there
for an hour now. Matthew has fallen asleep in the coachman's
box, and daddy's nowhere to be seen. (She taps impatiently
with her foot. )
ANTONI. (Jokingly) Oh, ohi Panna Helena doesn't know
how to control her feelings.
HELENA. Don't make fun of me, please; you see that I
am standing on hot coals. Oh, how I dislike such scenesl--
I shou:id like to hsve hidden away somewhere or other. --Daddy
is always so excitable--it seems to me that I shan't be able
to breathe again until I am home at last.
'. ■> ■ ?-i
- 116 -
ANTONI. But I should like this journey to last forever.
HELENA. Then you are pleased that we are going too?--
Really nowl I thought that it was all one to you and that
you v/ere giving us your horses quite unwillingly.
ANTONI. Did you read that in my eyes? I thought that
women were more sharp- sighted than that.
HELENA. Then why aren't you just as Impatient as I am?
ANTONI. Because I am happy at this very moment--with
the mere hope of having in my own carriage, vinder my protec-
tion, somebody whom I love, worship, adore.
HELENA. HushI What's this again? (She shrugs her
shoulders, glancing at MANKA. )
ANTONI. Indeed, the longer your father hangs around,
the better. You are impatient, you're peevish--but I just
gaze at you.
HELENA. (At the window) Why do you gaze at me?
ANTONI. Because you are so pretty in such a mood.
HELENA. (With a little pout, throwing him a glance over
her shoulder) Reallyl
ANTONI. And looking at you so, I forget everything
around me. I don't even know where we are--it is enough
for me that I am with you. (After a_ moment) But no earlier
than yesterday, I was ready to despair.
HELENA. Oh, oh. --despairi -9«e- mi^t thinlc that re«iiy^
you gentlemen w^afe-^-je* so easily Inclined to that. Oh, these
c^
i
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- 117 -
men--nasty, horrid egotists] Why didn't the Lord create
only womenl
ANTONI. Well, I say, what a wholesale curse on us alll
HELENA. Well, not on all, but--(To herself, leaving the
window) I might have given him his brother for an example, but
I don't want to hurt his feelings. (She sits down again by
MANKA, and they whisper together. )
SCENE II
The same. GENIO, hat in hand, comes in on his tiptoes, bows
to the ladies, then goes t£ ANTONI, who, seated at the
left and gazing continually at IfELENA, takes out his
tobacco pouch and rolls a^ cigarette. )
ANTONI. Why are you stealing about in this fashion?
GENIO. (Sitting down beside him) I don't know myself. --
I walk on tiptoe and I talk in a whisper, as if I had some-
thing on my conscience. The atmosphere of this house is
reacting on me.
ANTONI. Is it only the atmosphere?
GENIO. Something queer has happened to me.
ANTONI. Sad eyesi Oh, those eyesl
GENIO. (With a sigh) What a miraculous power —
ANTONI. (Jokingly continuing his words) --there is in ^"c/t.
an apparently feeble organ of perception as the eyel
GENIO. Oh, of course!
U'
^
- 118 -
ANTONI. Then I see, that you're really--?
GENIO. (Looking at MANKA) People define love differ-
ently: the nearest to the truth are probably those who call
it a disease, into which one falls unwittingly.
ANTONI. (As before) And whose cure is sweetl
GENIO. Oh, of coursel
ANTONI. (After a moment ) Are you leaving, too?
GENIO. What should I do here?
ANTONI. But are you coming to see me, all the same?
GENIO. But shan't I intrude?
ANTONI. (La\3ghing) How, with an old classTmate?
GENIO. I wasn't thinking of that, you know perfectly
well--but she is going with you, and is to stay there.
ANTONI. That's so.
GENIO. But you probably live very near.
ANTONI. Neighbors.
GENIO. (Kissing him) Will you do me a favor?
ANTONI. With my whole heart.
GENIO. You understand that in her state of mind, furious
haste would be out of place. I rely on you.
ANTONI. You can covmt on me as on Zawlszal * I will
survey the land and give you a report.
GENIO. (Rising) I shall leave happier.
«• A Polish hero of the early fifteenth century.
f
- 119 -
ANTONI. Then I may expect you?
GENIO. hs soon as possible. Only be careful, I beg
you, and meanv/hile keep it quietl
ANTONI. Ha, ha, hai What a man you have become 1 In
Warsaw they won't recognize you.
GENIO. Be stilli Let me alonel (He approgches the
girls. ) May I bid you farewell?
MANKA. You are leaving?
GENIO. I have duties. I must, but I leave with the
hope that we shall meet under more favorable circiimstances.
(Aside) Didn't I say too much?
MANKA. You will certainly visit Pan Antonl?
GENIO. I should like to.
HELENA. If you do, perhaps we shall see you at our
house also?
GENIO. If you ladies will permit it.
HELENA. (Jestingly ceremonious) Oh, my dear siri
(To MANKA, aside, nudging her with her elbow) Say something.
GENIO. (Offering his hand to MANKA) Then good-bye for
the present.
MANKA. Good-bye. (GENIO kisses ANTONI on the face,
and goes out on his tiptoes. HELENA nudges MANKA several
times* )
€
- 120 -
SCENE III
ANTONI, MANKA, HELENA.
HELENA. He looked at you so; he even snueezed your*
hand, I think, but you were as quiet as the grave.
i..ANKA. Oh, please let me alone.
HELENA. (Kissing her) Stop frovyning. xou look as if
you would like to cry.
MANKA. Stop joking. It seems to me that if I had to
go through two more sxich scenes as that, i shouldn-t even
know how to cry and should become indifferent to everything.
(aNTONI is_ still sitting in the same place, rolling a second
cigarette. )
HELENA. But then you took it so to heart right away.
How many times daddy gets excited, scoldsi (Confidentially J
Many a time, i tell you, he treats me so that it--
MANKA. If I should encoxinter similar behavior from
him, i should fall at his feetl
HELENA. Oh, but you should Just hear himl
MANKA. You are nice to try to comfort me, but you know
well enoTigh that this is something entirely different. If
you father gets excited and scolds you, as you say, he shows
his heart In that way. If anybody ever addressed me, it
was with an insult; it seems to me that I'd give my life
for a little bit of sympathy.
HELENA. Well, well, your bad luck is over now that
daddy is taking you home.
t
- 121 -
MANKA. I v/ill serve him on my kneesi
HELENA. ( Laughing ) The idea of Itl You'll see how
well off you will be- -only that you are accustomed to lux-
ury, while in our house--
MANKA. (Reproachfully) Helena, dear, that hurts--
HELENA. Well, well, I'll not say anything more. --As
soon as you get to know daddy more intimately you'll be
convinced. --And when you grow calmer, (In a lower tone)
perhaps we may bring him around somehov/ and you will have
him.
MANKA. iJThom? Seweryn? You must be joking.
HELENA. Then you don't love him anymore? (Louder)
You're quite right.
MANKA. I hardly know myself how I feel towards him now,
ANTONI. (Lighting a cigarette, with a smile) May I
inquire what Panna Helena so decidedly approves of? (He
rises. )
HELENA. (In a lively tone) Sit down there by your-
self. Don't meddle in our affairs.
ANTONI. Ohl A secretl (He sits down again, continu-
ing to look at them. )
HELENA. Tell me, tell me, for I am curicusi
MANKA. (After a moment) Tell me, do you love him?
(She glances at ANTONI. )
HELENA. (Quietly) Don't I thoughl Only I don't want
-■-.A
I
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t~ ■
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.f -I \ •
- ±<i<i -
to show it much. I keep him on short rein. --My dear, don't
look at him or he'll guess that we are talking about him.
MANKA. And you are happy, when you have him near you?
HELENA. I suppose so,
MANKA. You see, it was the same with Seweryn and myself.
I sought occasions to see him, it was the greatest delight
for me; and in order to accomplish this, I became a hypocrite,
a liar. But now--I tremble at the thought of finding myself
alone with him. I fear him like a corpse, for he is only
a corpse to me now. That dread is the end of love.
HELENA. Just imagine, I experienced that same sensa-
tion, but at the beginning. I was afraid to remain with him
v/hen there wasn't anybody else around--I don't know why,
myself; some sort of fright took possession of me. Now I'm
not afraid of him. Ohol (She looks at him. )
MANKA. You're lucky, he's yours already.
HELENA. Mine, minel Ah, how nice it is to say it--
minel (She snuggles up to her. )
MANKA. But if you should cease loving each otherl
HELENA. Ah, don't say thatl It makes me cold all over.
MANKA. Then you would avoid him, shouldn't you?
HELENA. (Thoughtfully) It seems to me so. (After
a moment ) I surely would. (After a moment) See, how
strange it is in the world: the beginning and the end of
everything are evidenrJjust alikeI--( After a moment, with
naive reflection) Just to think that everything must end,
€>
- 1^:33 -
*^^^*iS^^® ^^ nothing assured. --Oh, Lord] (Both sit
dovrn In thought, )
SCENE IV
The sanB, PAN DAMAZY and TYKALSKA and, following them, the
NOTARY, come in from the right.
DAMAZY. Be good enough to leave me in peace, bless my
soul J
TYKALSKA, But I won't let you go, on my honor: what
would sister say to that? You have a number of miles ahead
of you and you won't get anything on the road.— I told them
to roast some chickens is quick as they could.
DAMAZY. If you'd pay me, I wouldn't eat »em— on my
wordJ
TYK/^LSKA. So it seems to you, but nevertheless the
poor girls are hungry,
HELENA. (Rising oulcklj:) What • s the odds? I'm not.
MANKA. (Rising) Nor I.
DAMAZY. Well, then forwardi Get ready, bless my soul,
and we'll be going,
TYKALSKA. That won't help any--you people won't do
that to sister.
DAMAZY. Sister, sisterJ Sister looks at me as if
I'd eaten her fatherl
TYKALSKA. What are you talking' about I
NOTARY. We hadn't f inished-eh-eh-our conference.
. J.
■1 f
- 1^4 -
when you refused to understand me, my dear sir, or rather
you didn't pay attention to--eh--eh — eh--
DAMAZY. All that you've been saying--well, if you
squeeze it out, there will be left, bless my soul, as much
as — (He snaps his fingers. .)
NOTARY. But permit me. (Aside to TYKALSKA) Don't let
him go, please, for our interests depend upon it.
TYKALSKA. But I don't even think of it. This moment
they'll be ready. (In a low voice to DAI/IAZY) I also
wanted to speak a word more with you. (DAITAZY sits down on
the sofa and taps with his cane impatiently. )
NOTARY. You haven't permitted me to tell you the final
conclusion I have reached--eh--eh— eh— which, I am sure,
you will approve.
DAMAZY. Well then, I will listen to that conclusion,
but make it short and concise.
TYKALSKA. Gome, girls, you must really have something
to last you on the Journey.
HELENA. Thank you kindly, but do excuse us,
TYKALSKA. No talking, come and don't stand in the way
here. (She leads them off b^; force. )
HELENA. (Aside) Oh, heavens] We shan't get out of
here today. ( Running to her father) Daddy, will it be long?
DAMAZY. (Stamping with his cane, scolding) At least
you give me a llctle peacei
HELENA. For heaven's sakel Let's go then. (They £o
1 .^-r-'
'l;^ J, --v.
r •..,: •,,...
SCENE V
PAN DAMAZY, the NOTARY
NOTARY. (Aside) That's the only way to shut his mouth.
DAMAZY. Well, then, talk. I am listening]
NOTARY. First of all, I call your attention--
DAMAZY. But cut it short, I beg you.
NOTARY. Eh — eh- -eh- -you must admit that the thought of
reconciliation through the union of your daughter with the
intended heir of your sister-in-law. Pan Seweryn, was thor-
oughly Christian. --My dear sir, it was sublime/
DAMAZY. It was knavery, sirl (He rises. )
NOTARY. But I call your attention--
DAMAZY. (Violently) Vilel Barter! How>>e that you
turn your head the other way, bless my soul, when that scoundrel
seduces the girl who is your ward; you throw her to him to be
devoured, and, now, in spite of that you recommend him to me
for a son-in-lawi
NOTARY. We knew nothing of it, my dear sir, on my honor!
DAMAZY. (Quickly looking him in the eyes) Are you try-
ing to turn my head. --Who warned me about it?
NOTARY. (Glancing around) Sh! You gave me your word
of honor.
DAMAZY. You yourself opened my eyes to this mess, bless
my soul; and as a result, I broke off, and now you call it a
sublime thought.
i
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- 126 -
NOTARY. (Bewildered) When I say we, I simply mean by
it my client, who is your sister-in-law. Such is the custom
of--eh--eh--eh--of us lawyers. 54*84— i« Vhe best proof^that
she heard it first from you. (DAMAZY £its down on the sofa
puffing. After a moment ) Finally, I was aiming at this--
vou have broken off, and there is no chance of returning to
the question, aow much it cost Pani Zegocina, i need not say.
Her heart--eh--eh--is disturbed. She feels the need of making
some sacrifice v;hich might at least in part atone for that
deceit.
DAI/iAZY. (Impetuously, rising. I don't need any sacri-
fices, bless my soul; they wou3d stick in my throat. QValking
up and down) If I had the right to the inheritance, to the
whole estate of the deceased, I would take it as my own without
the slightest scruple, on my word, if not for myself, then for
my child. But since such was not his desire, let it go, I
will do without it, and I don't need any favors.
NOTARY (Aside) It is necessary at any cost thst he
resign all claims of any sort. ( Aloud ) My dear sir, you have
mentioned the desire of the deceased. His widow, knowing the
secrets of that sublime soul and his hidden purposes, which —
eh- -eh- -eh- -through his mad love for his wife, and knowing
her heart, he did not v/i3h--eh--eh — eh--
DAMAZY. (Impatiently) Have a little mercy, for I am
melting with emotion, like butter in a frying-pan, and you
-T. r- T' i^r
O^s .
4
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- 127 -
will not have anybody to talk to.
NOTARY. V/ell then, to come to the point, your slster-ln-
law, knowing that the deceased had in mind the idea of giving
a dowry of some sort to yotir daughter, has set aside for her
fifty thousand Polish zlotys, or seven thousand five hundred
rubles. (H£ wipes h ' s forehead.)
DAMAZY. (Relenting) Hml Fifty thousand.
NOTARY. (Quickly) Engaging to pay it in three years'
time, when her affairs are a little more in order--and mean-
while offering interest at five per cent. (After a moment,
breathing deeply) What do you think of thpt?
DAMAZY. (After a moment) Fifty thousand- -htnj Let
me tell youi Devil take both of youl --Flies are good for the
dogs, as they say.--I shouldn't care about it for myself, but
since it's for my daughter- -then, (With an impatient wave of
his hand) I apcept, and confound you alii
NOTARY. (Offering his hand) Then it's agreedl (Aside)
I went a little too far--he agreed easily. (Aloud) Then
give yifk just a little note, my dear sir, accepting that
agreement, and releasing your sister-in-law from every possible
and impossible claim: a pure formality, as you see, since she
has an Incontestable right to the whole estate.
DAMAZY. (Suddenly) But pardon me, what about the orphan?
NOTARY. V/hat orphan?
DAMAZY. Little Marya.--It would be a fine thing if I
«
t
- XiiO -
accepted something for my daughter and didn't lay claims
for that glrll
NOTARY. But my dear sir I
DAMAZY. Otherwise I ha^/'e nothing to say. She gets as
inuGh as Helena, or our friendship Is overl
NOTARY. I call your attentlon--
DAMAZY. That's no use: If you will, that's all right; if
you won't, all right, too. If there must be a row, so be it.
That girl must g^t something; and if that can't be arranged
harmoniously, I'll consult lawyers.
NOTARY. (Aside) You're smart. (Aloud) Be pleased,
my dear sir--eh--eh--eh--
DAIv'AZY. I have nothing to say I
NOTARY. (Desperately, raising his voice) --to consider
that this exceeds my competence. I had authority only abo^it
the sujn for Panna Helena.
DAMAZY. No, I say no. Let me alone, and clear outi
NOTARY. But permit me-- (Wiping his forehead) I must
first talk things over with my--eh--eh--eh--superior. (Aside)
It is necessary to make this sacrifice too. --That's hard]
DAJIAZY. Well, do it quick: one, two, threel I'll wait
a second. Please hurry.
NOTARY. (Sighing deeply) Phhhl To have to do business
with such an uncivilized brutel (Goes out at the left.)
- 129
SCENE VI
PAN DAMAZY, later TYKALSKA
DA!/!AZY. The old hypocrltei Bless my soull--They
won't go the straight road: first one way, then another! --
They make a show of sacrifice, when they are raking it all In.
(After a moment) But what of Itl Since the deceased left It
to her, then let the Lord help them. He was a weeJc man, and
that's thatl
TYKALSKA. (Peerinp; through the door at the right)
They're all through talking now. (She comes in. After a moment)
They'll be here in a half-hour.
DAMAZY. Who? What?
TYKALSKA. The chickens.
DAKAZY. (Impatiently) Let me tell you that I've had
enough of those chickens 1 --However, have 'em brought anyhow. --
I'll wrap 'em up in paper, and that'll settle that.
TYKALSKA. The deceased Toby wouldn't start out on the
road hungry to save his soul.
DAMZY. He must have had, pardon me, the weak nature of
a woman, bless my soul, for it is only you v^omen who are able
to est at all times, whether you feel like eating or whether
you don' t. --Well, what did you have to say to me? I'll listen
as long as I have the time. (He takes out a large silver
watch. )
TYKALSKA. (After a moment, sitting down) Oh, my dear
■, r. . <■,
^0-' ■> . '^- -'.r'i i '1 r*
- 16U -
sir, in this sad world — God save usi
DAMAZY. That's true enough, but what next?
TYKALSKA. What's happened here?--Dear Lordl
DAMAZY. (Testily) Well, it's your fault too--God
help mei
TYKALSKA. Good heavens I My fault?
DAMAZY. How could you allow this to go to such extremes
before your very eyes, bless my soul?
TYKALSKA. Oh, Pan Damazyl I, as they say, did not take
my eyes off them. It didn't reach any extremes; I'd be a
sinner to say anything else,
DAIiiAZY. Oh, you take my words the wrong way right off.--
A hungry man thinks only of bread.
TYKALSKA. (Offended.) Oh, In the Lord's naaiel
DAMAZY. Why '^vk the Lord's naHie"? You aren't getting
offended, are you?
TYKALSKA. Oh, what an IdeaJ
DAMAZY. Then you say that there was nothing bad?
TYKALSKA. But, Pan Damazy, on my wordI--I am not a child,
I don't need to tell you.--I saw that these children had an
attraction for each other, but I thought, \^.t them love each
other— they' 11 be a fine pair.
DAMAZY. Hm, did you think so?
TYKALSKA. Why, of coursel God is my witnessl--l just
thought to myself, sister will bequeath him, as her favorite,
her estate; he will have more than enough and he won't need
»•■■■■;?:-'- ra-
■.■V ^-.ifoy
r- ': -<:■.
• , I
- 1^1 -
to look for a dowry. And because his brother is earning
his living on a small estate, then, what I have, I will
bequeath to Antoni,
DAMAZY. (Amazed) What you have? Then we've been sav-
ing our pennies, bless my soull
TYKALSKA. Ahl Take that backl--How could I save my
pennies? Good Lordl You wouldn't find a cracked copper on
me. --If a beggar met me on the road, I shouldn't have any-
thing to save my face.
DAMAZY. Tut, tut, bless my soull Then how do you
expect to give, if you haven't anything?
TYKALSKA. (In a low voice) You see, I have a legacy.
DAMAZY. A legacy? From whom?
TYKALSKA. Prom the deceased.
DAMZY, Prom my brother? He willed you something?
TYKALSKA. (Explaining) On my word, I shouldn't have
known anything about it, but shortly before his death, he
called me in and secretly gave me a paper.
DAMAZY. Reallyi And haven't you bragged about it until
now?
TYKALSKA. It would have been lying In the trunk tmtil
my death, and then anybody to whom I had assigned it, would
have taken it.
DAIAAZY. Stuff and nonsensel First you must get it for
yourself.
TYKALSKA. Ah, for heaven's sakel Will it ever be lost
1- .,,
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- 152 -
DAMAZY. But you should tell her about it.
TYKALSKA. Ah, I wouldn't have done that for anything
in the worldl
DAMAZY. You're a good onel Then how will things turn
out? And besides^ who forces you to depend on anybody when
you can have your own?
TYKALSKA. Oh, my dear sir, what's wrong with me here
with my sister? I shan't lack bread. --And she'd never get
on without me — all the woman's v/ork here is on my shoulders.
Besides, my dear sir, does a person live for himself only?
DAMAZY* Hm, hm,--very nice, I must say, but-- And is
it a large siun?
TYKALSKA. Thirty or forty thousand — for I don't under-
stand these rubles.
DAMAZY. Well, I congratulate you, bless my soul. And
what are you thinking of doing with this bequest?
TYKALSKA. That's just the point, my dear sir, that I
wanted to ask you about. I don't want to take it: God forbidi
Oh, good Lord, I should have to swindle my sisterl But it's
mine just the same, so I v;anted to v/ill it to somebody after
my death. I thought of Antoni, for I was sure that Seweryn
would marry Manka. But since sister has sent that poor child
away--
DAMAZY. Well, !_ am taking her in, bless my soul.
TYKALSKA. That's very nice. But you aren't over rich
J ;■
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sec
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f, y:*'
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- 133 -
yourself. You can't tell me that.
DAMAZY. Well, I must admit it,
TYKALSKA. So you see, I wanted to divide it between
the two of them. How do you advise me?
DAMAZY. Really, on my word, (He kisses her hand ) my
sister-in-law is not worthy to carry water for you, bless
my soul.
TYKALSKA. Oh, what's this now? She's a lady--I am
a plain woman, although her blood-sister. The deceased
Toby was an honest man, but a peculiar breed, I don't need
to tell you; and I also grew queer living with him.
DAMAZY. But what are you talking about? You are a
saint and that's the truthi And where do you have this
will? Is it at least according to legal form? My deceased
brother couldn't have done anything wiser than that.
TYKALSKA. (Reaching in her blouse) Only, my dear
friend, advise me well what I am to do, so as not to embar-
rass my sister unnecessarily. (She protects herself from
DAMAZY, who stretches out his hand impatiently. ) Please,
sir, fie on youi People would say afterwards that I showed
ray appreciation for the refuge given me by being a greedy
old woman.
DAMAZY. My dear lady, usually in old age people
become most greedy.
TYKALSKA. There it is, read it.
. .-. ...' ""-'O
.::'iso:
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- J.O* -
DAMAZY. (Taking his glasses) His own handwriting.
TYKALSKA. Yes, of course, the poor man wrote it with
his own hand.
DAMAZY. His hand was already trembling. (Tapping; the
paper with his finger) But such a will, bless my soul, is
of the utmost importance! It means more than if it had
been written by a notary before a hundred witnesses--I know
that — although it's just a scrap, so long as it's in his
own handwriting and dated--ohi
TYKALSKA. And is there a date there?
DAMAZY. There is, indeed. --And a signature, bless my
soul, clearly legible. (He reads, mumbling at first, then
aloud) "To my wife's sister, Dorota Tykalska, born Rumlakiewi^z
the widow of the late Tobjasz Tykalskl, eight thousand silver
rubles."
TYKALSKA. (Wiping her eyes) And he remembered Toby
tooi
DAMAZY. How's that? Did he will him something alsol
TYKALSKA. You and your jokes --my heavens I Toby was
already with the angels. What did he need there In the
other world except a holy mass and a mention on All Saints'
Day.
DAMAZY. (Reads) "Wishing to assure her the benefits
of this will, and at the same time to limit it in her own
* A reminder by the priest that the faithful should say
prayers in his memory.
r^ l[0
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v--.'i3r .''.
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- 135 -
behalf, I order that that s-um, 8,000 rubles, should remain
in trust. The legatee cannot withdraw the capital; she
must be content with five per cent interest till her death. "--
And that's wise, for you would hsve given it all away; he
knew you well, I see.
TYKALSKA. But I am allowed to do what I want with it.
DAMAZY. Wait, waitl (He reads. ) Yes indeedl'-^The heir
whom the said Dorota shall designate by her will, shall have
the right to withdraw this stun in full." I emphatically
approve that idea of my deceased brother. You are at least
not at anybody's mercy. (After a moment) What? what? what?
(He reads) "This is the only legacy with which I burden the
rights of ray natural heir, whom I beg and enjoin that he
do not refuse protection to my wife." (Vehemently) But
this, bless my soul, brings to light new knaveryl--So there
was no joint will between them. — In such case, it is all
minel Minei Ahl Now you see, murder will outi --That's
why they pulled the wool over my eyes I Hal --Waitl
TYKALSKA. HeavensI What have I done, my dear sirl--
I should prefer to withdraw my rights even to this legacy.
DAMAZY. (Greatly moved) Stupldl--I believed them
blindly, not questioning anything, and they took advantage
of my good nature. V/ell, could I foresee that they would
reveal themselves so shamelessly?--Why , they're swindlers,
bless my soul I Jews I All for the miserable penny I
•i?r: .L.(.:
=v^M
■■^d :j''.ir.
":':' ■'>'.'■•
l" - j- '- ' -
J '- r-
' 'i
r . V
' r
136 -
TYKALSKA. My dear sirl My dear slrl What will happen?
If anything comes to light in this against my sister, what
shall I do? I'll bury myself in the earthl--You had better
give it back, I don't want anything, not anythingl
DAMAZY. Oh, it's too late, bless my so-ull--I'll teach
them how to whistle after church nowl
TYKALSKA. (Weeping) Piei Shame on youl
DAMAZY. Ha, ha, hai What? That's goodl
TYKALSKA. You curse greedy people, and you yourself
are no better,
DAMAZY. Ha, ha, ha 1 I greedyi
TYKALSKA. (Kissing him on the shoulder) My dear sir I
DAMJiZY. (Walking up and down) The will of the deceased —
the will of the deceased] They made a point of that--let his
will be done theni
SCENE VII
The same^ l^e NOTARY leads in hj_ the arm ZEGOGINA, whose
expression is half solemn, half sorrowful, nnd who holds
her hand with a handkerchief to her forehead. When she
has come in, she falls on the sofa as if bereft of
strength. TYKALSKA crosses herself and whispers prayers
in the corner; the NOTARY stands beside ZEGOGINA. At the
end of the scene SSWERYN conies in. )
DAMAZY. Well, now there'll be a comedy, bless my soul.--
(He paces the room, looking at them from under his brows. )
r^n isj.---
i , .•
;, rr^jN ' .■-
u:
:' , ?■• c
- 137 -
ZEGOCINA. (After a moment, sorrowfully, aside to the
NOTARY) Who is to begin?
NOTARY. You might as well--it might even be best. (As
if calling DAMAZY'S attention) Hm, hml
ZEGOCINA. (As above, in a weak voice) The notary has
communicated to me--your pretensions.
DAI/iAZY. ( Through his teeth) They aren't pretensions,
bless my soul I (ZEGOCINA i3_ silent, making a sign that he
does not give her a chance to speak,) Well, I'm listening,
I'm listening.
ZEGOCINA. The blow was well aimed. --I, who my whole
life long have given proofs of disinterestedness, must today
humble myself to bargains which are to the last degree hum-
iliating to us. I thought that, when I guessed the unexpressed
will of my deceased husband and gave proofs of my regard for
his niece, I should be understood. Alas, it has happened
differently! People explained this as weakness on my part,
and wanted to exploit it.
DAMAZY. (Who has given signs of impatience) That is,
according to you, bless my soul, I am putting my hand in
another person's pocket.
ZEGOCINA. (With an ironical smile) I don't know what
to call It. You are coming forth in defence of the supposed
rights of a girl who by her own behavior —
DAMZY. (Hastily) What's that? Then you don't feel
,n ^C' •■■^^-iw'
y •? :"
if-:-: F::'-' Vt. f-'
; 0
- 138 -
that you have this girl on your consciencei
ZEGOGINA. I hava her on my consciencei (She raises
her eyes to heaven and folds her hands in prayer. )
NOTARY. (In a low tone) Don't irritate himi (Aloud)
You two are getting on the dangerous path- -eh- -eh- -eh- -of
mutual reproaches. The best thing would be to forget it all
and to make peace. --What' s the usel (Slapping his palms
together in a gesture of reconciliation) You, madam, make
some sacrifice; and you, sir, let down a little in your
claims. Let's sign a paper and be done with itJ (To DAMZY)
What is your final demand for that girl?
DAMAZY. (Mockingly) Oho I Th* notion has flown away
on the wind, bless my souli
NOTARY. What's that? Flown away on the wind?
DAJ^LAZY. You should have decided sooner. I have recon-
sidered now.
ZEGOGINA. (In a pained voice) I told you, notary,
that it was useless. My brother is only torturing me.
NOTARY. (Restlessly) Then what is your ultimatum?
DAMAZY. (Pacing back and forth) My deceased brother
left a fortune, bless my soul, which is a little too much
for one person. (Gestures from the NOTARY pnd ZEGOGINA)
There are several of us here who also would not disdain some
small part of it.
ZEGOGINA. No, that's too muchl --Notary , let us go:
. -.CJ '
I
- 139 -
you see to what you are exposing me by your concessions.
NOTARY. (In a low voice) Let me alone. We must find
out what all this means.
DAMAZY. Besides myself and my child, there is little
Marya; there is Pani Tykalska, your sister.
ZEGOGINA. What, even Tykalska comes forward with claimsl
The world has come to an endl
TYKALSKA. I, sister? I don't want anything, honestly. —
Let me bei (Aside) The dreadful mani
DAMAZY. Finally, aside from your favorite, whom you
yourself must look out for, there is still another blood-
relative, your nephew, Antoni.
ZEGOGINA. ( Laughing spasmodically) And so to divide
it all upI--A marvellous idea--the work of such an exuberant
imagination that I did not expect it of you, brother. --But
let us make one small, very small supposition, that is, that
I don't agree to it.
DAMAZY. You can handle me like a child, bless my soul;
I will withdraw and beg your pardon to boot, I will do so on
one small, exceedingly small condition: that is, shov/ me the
will.
NOTARY. (Aside) Aha, he's grown wisei Well, it's all
up I
ZEGOGINA. (After a moment, with an outburst, and rising
^ II. 2R springs) So then, the mask has fallen at lastl--
The Willi --And conseauently, if there weren't any, you would
•-K
- 140 -
of a sickly old man, in order to deprive a needy widow of her
last piece of breadi
DAMAZY. (Not believing; his ears) What I
NOTARY. (Aside) Only a woman could produce such an
argtiment.
ZEGOCINA. Then all considerations are nothing! Fear of
the Justice of heaven is nothingi Oh, anyone who is capable
of taking advantage of a situation in which he has found him-
self by chance--of such a man you can expect anything! (Weep-
ing) I leave it all to Godi — Come, notary.
NOTARY. (In a low voice) But what will happen?
ZEGOCINA. We will leave him to his conscience. (She
walks tp wards the door, leaning on the NOTARY, who lingers
on his way out. )
DAMAZY. (Stupified) Whew, that's enough to turn one's
stomach, bless my soull (Beating his breast) So I am taking
advantage of herJ I am a grasper of somebody else's propertyl
Oh, that's too much! --(He runs after them. ) Pardon me, madami
(He seizes her arm and leads her to the front of the stage. )
ZEGOCINA. What's this? Violence?
DA?1AZY. (Trembling with fury) Violencel As I love God -
violencel Ah, my dear lady, do you think that that pontifical
face takes me ini that I will beat my bresst and ask pardoni
(ZEGOCINA goes into spasms,)
--f-r-. J
•■in^r.L'
C,''! .r' Ci
- 141 -
NOTARY. (Aside) V/ell, It's all off nowI--I remain a
\7ld0wer. I must turn in another direction--with the wind--
ZEGOCINA. Heavens, heavens, to torture a defenseless
and weak woman 1
SEWERYN. (Looking in cautiously at the central door)
What's happening here?
DAMAZY. I torturing youi But by God's wounds, am I
not within my lawful rights? Haven't I gone a straight path,
while you and your cotmsellor--
ZEGOCINA. NotaryJ-Where is he? (The NOTARY evades her;
catching sight of SEVVERYN, she soretches out her hand to him.
Weeping) Seweryn darlingl (SEVVERYN goes to her.)
DAFiAZY. Knowing how things stand, you dug pits vinder me,
and you slyly tried to deceive me J
ZEGOCINA. InsultsI (She weeps copiously. To SEWERYN)
My child, do you hear?
SEVVERYN. Let's leave.
DAMAZY. (In a passion) What insults! — How furious
that makes mei (After a moment ) You have a life interest
in a fourth part, and the whole inheritance is mine: such was
the will of the deceased, and it would be stupid to give it
up . - - I have a chl Id- -
NOTARY. (Standing near DAMAZY, in a low ;cone) Well,
what's right is right, to be sure I
ZEGOCINA. Take it for yourselfi Take itl Pill up on iti
f '■;
t V
■'■; ■ • -^.
- 14 id -
DAMAZY. Of course I'll take Itl Of coursel As I
stand here before youl (After a moment, more softly) But,
nevertheless, confound Itl --instead of a life interest, I
will give up a fourth part to you for your own, hang youl
ZEGOCINA. I don't want anythingl Take it alll Take
my last shirt from mel Take my llfel What do I carel
DAMAZY. Well, now you seel --She' 11 make a robber of
me yetl (He paces the room* )
ZEGOCINA. (Choking with tears) Oh, my God, my Godl
(She goes out sobbing, leaning on SEWERYN. )
SCENE VIII
PAN DAMAZY, the NOTARY, TYKALSKA* HELENA and MANKA, who have
just entered the room a moment ago from the right, -a^
Wlf¥ stopp/^gt frightened in the back. With them ANTONI
has entered; later SEWERYN.
TYKALSKA. (Sobbing) Oh, my God, my Godl
DAMAZY. Well, what is it? What's she blubbering about?
Someone tell mel That's the way with old womenl (He paces
the room. )
NOTARY. (Walking with outstretched hand after i..AMAZY,
who does not listen, and pays no attention to him) I hop 3, h^
honored sir, that you have no --ch-- eh- -eh- -hard feelings for
me. itS the plenipotentiary of your sister-in-law, i fought
to the last breath, vvhen vanquished, ± capitulate with the
■}■'.;-
- 143 -
honors of war. y Aside) There's no help for it; 1 must v/ork
In the interests of Genio--that v/111 be wisest. ^ After a
moment, aloud J Nov/ If my knowledge of things — eh--eh — eh--
might be useful.
TYKALSKA. (As before) I am to blame for it all I
DAMAZY. (Ironically) Of coursel You are to blame, that's
clear enough! And I, too, I suppose?
TYKALSKA. Yes, you arei (She explains aside to ANTONI
what has happened. )
DAMZY. As I love God, that makes me split with laugh-
ing I
TYKALSKA. (As before) Split then, spliti But don't
persecute usl
NOTARY. Who is pers6C\iting here? (Every time the
NOTARY speaks, nobody pays any attention. )
HELENA. (Half in tears. ) Daddy, let's leave it all,
let's go awayl--Manka, you ask him tool
MANKA. Let's go, dearest linclel
HELENA. Pan Antonil (She makes signs to him.) Weill
DAMAZY. (Furiously) Ahl ah, ahl (Restraining himself)
Either I'm crazy, or they all are. Am I doing anything bad?
Let's get our bearing3--my head is topsy-turvy. --Listen,
Antoni, for at least you aren't a woman, you have some logic--
and besides, it is a question of your aunt--have I done any-
thing bad? Tell me I
- i^ft -
ANTONI. Well, so far as I understand it, you've done
only what you had a lawful right to do,
NOTARY. V/hy, of course,
DAMAZY. What's lawful is lawful--but am I right?
ANTONI. The boundary between what is lawful and what is
right is so subtle--
NOTARY. Pardon me, there isn't any. That's a prejudice.
DAMAZY. (Answering ANTONI) What? --But put yourself in
my place. If you were in this position, what would you have
done?
ANTONI. How should I know? It's a delicate matter.
DAMAZY. What's that? You don't know?
NOTARY. Without knov/ledge of the law, no one knows.
ANTONI. Pu.rthermore, as your future son- in- lav/, I 3hould
be a partial judge. Involuntarily material interests might
have some influence upon my opinion.
DAMAZY. How's that? Then if, for example, somebody
draws a handkerchief out of your pocket, you mustn't say any-
thing to him about it, aftd expose yourself to him again?
TYKALSKA. (Weeping) Such a comparison! (Walking away)
She'll fall illl (She goes out at the left.)
HELENA. But daddy, that's something entirely different.
DAMAZY. Eh--you stupid--sit still. I'm not talking to
you. (To ANTONI) Well, talk — what is a man to do to such
a cut^purse?
- 145 -
ANTONI. Punish him, of course. (A gesture of assent
from the NOTARY)
DAIvlAZY. So what is the difference between a small and
a large theft? Why, bless my soul, when it's a question of
thousands and millions, are the foulest tricks called skill?
ijiiplomacy? Why? Tell me.
ANTONI. You can guess my answer — but just nov/ that isn't
the ouestion.
DAMAZY. What is then?
ANTONI. It's a question of how you are to proceed. You
are asking yourself that question, and being unable to answer
it at once, you are applying to me. But you have a better
counsellor, who will be sufficient.
NOTARY. (Applying this to himself) Without boasting--
DAMAZY. Who's that?
ANTONI. Your own heart.
DAMAZY. Heart! Ha, ha, hal--The heart is always making
a fool qf the intellect--bless my soul — I am never governed
by my heart.
ANTONI. (Kissing him on the shoulder) You talk, sir,
like every subjugated man who is eternally rebelling against
the rule of his wife, but nevertheless does what she wants.
DAMAZY. Go to the devil with your chatterl (Aside,
walking up and down) Hm, hjn, the end of it all will be that
they v/ill call me a greedy man, a man without a heart, the
- 146 -
persecutor of a widow! The women will curse mel It would
be absolutely wasted, after alll I don't want it, I don't
want anything for myselfl (After a moment, aloud) Listen
here, Antoni, I can't forget that your avint lived a dozen
or more years, bless my soul, with my brother, that she is
accustomed to comfort. I do not wish tO' deprive her of
everything. I will give her half; go tell her.
NOTARY. (Aside) Halfl That's a good profit. (He goes
to the left, to SEWERYN, whom he meets in the doorway) Is
your aunt there?
SEWERYN. She is. (Th© NOTARY goes out. )
DAMAZY. Let her pay up her sister out of that, let her
remember her dear Seweryn. Anyhow, let her act as she wants
to — it's enough that she has half. I give the other half
to you, her own nephew. --They will not gossip.
ANTONI. (Amazed) To me?
DAMAZY. I'll not take it at all. I renounce it. Even
so Helena will get it as soon as you marry her. Only you
will give poor Marya a dowry from that.
SEWERYN. (Aside) Ah, so they're giving her a dowry.
Really, that's the only means of salvation for me.
ANTONI. I'd do that very gladly--but--
DAMAZY. No buts--go to your aunt now and tell her.
ANTONI. But that's not my concern. Please consider,
sir, that since it's a question of myself here--
- 147 -
DAMAZY. Don't you say a thing to me. Go if you want;
if you don't, don't. But if you don't go, you'll not get
Helena, and that's that J
HELENA. (Pushing him) Go, go quickly I
ANTONI. Then you definitely make this a condition?
DAMAZY. Are you still here? (ANTONI ^oes out at the
left.)
SCENE IX
DAMAZY, pacing the room, SEliVERYN, HELENA, MANKA
SEWERYN (Aside) Auntie has done a lot of stupid things,
and now she wants me to patch them up for her. I'm curious
how to begin here now. (He remains at one side. After a
moment) Really, there is no other way outJ
HELENA. (To MANKA, indicating SEWERYN with a glance)
Look, lookl How he is waiting for you to notice him. That's
significant.
MANKA. That would be too na5!ve, if not insolent.
HELENA. He magnetises you, clearly. (Jokingly) Wait,
I will withdraw; perhaps you can make up.
MANKA. You are always joking. (HELENA goes over to
the side, to the mirror. )
SEWERYN. (Aside) They're making it easy for me. That's
good. -- ( Approaching MANKA, in a low voice) Manka, I've been
looking in vain for the proper moment to talk with you.
MANKA. (Ironically) Am I so difficult to approach?
- 148 -
SEWERYN. You refuse to understand me, (After a moment)
I know that you may have been off ended--and you have had reason.
(He tries to take her hand. )
MANKA. (Not giving her hand, loftily) Never more so
than now.
SEWERYN. How's that?
MANKA. If you yourself do not comprehend. It would be
useless to explain. (She summons HELENA with her eyes. )
SEWERYN. But you do not take into consideration the
position I was In. I will explain everything to you--only
grant me a mom.ent's conversation alone.
MANKA. ( Laughing mockingly, to HELENA) Please, Helena
dearJ
SEWERYN. (In a lower tone, clenching his teeth) How's
tliat^ yaren' t you going to say anything more to me?
MANKA. ( Scoff Ingly, taking HELENA'S grm) Remembering
my former illusions, I'll spare you that pleasure. (They
go towards the door at the right. )
HELENA. • (In a low tone) Did you give him the -g«-fee^ mitf«*>- .
MANKA. Let's go, let's go.
HELENA. You did just the right thing. (On the way out,
HELENA throws him a glance, movinp; her lips as Ijf Jto say,
"Good enough for youl " They go out at the right. )
SEWERYN. (Aside) Then it's all upl I must continue
to bear this yokel Shall I never free myself? (A moment
- 149 -
later, after the entrance of the characters of the next
ir
scene, he goes out, much agitated, throup^h the centgfeL door, )
SCENE X
PAN DAMAZY, ZEGOCINA, the NOTARY; following them, after a
moment, ANTONI.
ZEGOCINA, (Rushes in, covering her ears with her hands,
followed by the NOTARY) I refuse, I refuse, I refuse absolutely,
Leave me alone, dol ( Taking both hands of DAMAZY, who has
been pacing up and down throughout the preceding scene) Brother,
there are few such Jien as you — half a saint. Now I know it,
and if I did not recognize it in you at the beginning, it's
my fault. But I refuse. (In a low voice) And you must refuse
until he clears out.
DAMAZY, (Aside) Has she gone daft?— or what? (Aloud)
What am I to refuse? I don't understand anything,
NOTARY, (Making a face) With your permission- -eh — eh —
eh — I will arrange it for you, I have the right to do so.
ZEGOCINA. What right? what right?
NOTARY, You are disloyal to me.
ZEGOCINA, I value my own independence too much, (Aside)
This man frightens me,
NOTARY, Then what has become of our agreement?
ZEGOCINA, (Stopping her ears) What agreement! I refuse!
NOTARY, It was a voluntary agreement, which you will not
deny.
- 150 -
ZEGOCINA. You coaxed It out of me In a moment of
irritation--! didn't consider. (Aside) I should have
made a beautiful mess of it J
NOTARY. You were of age and in your right mind^..
ZEGOCINA. (Standing suddenly before him and extending
her arms) Well, nevertheless, I have nothing — and what will
ti
you do f»i» me?
NOTARY. (Angrily) That remains to be seen — you can't
withdraw.
DAMAZY. But, pardon me, bless my soul, what's going
on? For perhaps you have not understood me.--I sent Antoni.
What did he tell you?
ZEGOCINA. Nothing.
DAMAZY. (To ANTONI) What's this? Nothing?
ANTONI. Why, no thing I
DAMAZY. Nothing]
ANTONI. Your decision in my favor I could not regard
as Irrevocable. You were too angry, and what is more, it
would have been an act of injustice. So I told auntie that
you two would come to a joint agreement about the division
of the estate.
DAMAZY. (Twiddling his thumbs) What he knew, he toldJ
ZEGOCINA. That's it--not another word more. Only the
notary came in before him v^ith the nev/s that you offer me
half.
k
- 151 -
DAMAZY. Oh, I beg your pardom, bless my soul, there
was a condition--there is a bequest.
NOTARY. A beQuest--what bequest?
ZEGOCINA. (Low to DAMAZY) Excellenti (To the NOTARY)
Now you seel There is not even half.
DAMAZY. A will in favor of Pani Tykalska.
ZEGOCINA. Yes, of my sister. (Aside) How clever he
isi — (She takes DAMAZY aside and talks with him alone. )
ANTONI. (Looking for his hat, aside; nyhow, do what
you want yourselves, arrange things as your hearts dictate,
but let me alone. I know that I have my Helena, and i don' t
care about anything elsei (Finding his hat, he goes out at
the right, giving them a joking smile and wave of his hand . )
ZEGOCINA. (To DAMAZY, in a low voice) My dear brother,
have mercy; protect me from this man — I prefer to tell you
everything now. Just imagine, he makes claims. [She speaks
in his ear; DAMAZY bursts out laughing. ; Some words escaped
me, and he took advantage of it--but I refusel
DAMAZY. (Looking at the NOTARY, who is pacing up and
down with a wry face) I expect sol --But that would be a dog's
life for youi
ZEGOCINA. (Aside) I should get under a guardianship
such as I've never been under in all my life. (In a low
voice, to DAMAZY) I believe you, I know that you will not
do me any injury; your action has opened my eyes. So divide
It fiS vmiT» p.nnsr» 1 onrro VilHa Trmi -
- 152 -
DAMAZY. (Aside) She's got round me splendidly, bless
my soull
ZEGOCINA. Only let us not speak of business at all as
long as he Is here. Agreed?
DAMAZY. (Kissing her hand) Yes indeed, with the great-
est pleasure. (Folding his arms, artlessly) You see--why
did we have to make such a pother about this stupid moneyl
My LordI Gould there be pleasure greater than harmony--and
in the family tool — You know It's engraved on the ducat,
bless my soul: (With his finger raised) "Concordia''--or
something of the sortl (ZEGOCINA speaks to him in a low
voice. ) Goodl Harmonyi Just as you yourself desiredl--
( Aloud, to the NOTARY) We both engage your help, ray dear
sir, when it comes to putting the division in legal form;
but on the other hand, at present, bless my soul —
NOTARY. (Completing the sentence, ironically) At
present, I observe that I am superfluous herel
DAMAZY. No indeed, for heaven's sakel What about
hospitality? (Jovially) But you see, these conferences
of yours have so fatigued my sister-in-law that she would
like to rest a little, to have a mind free from these business
matters.
NOTARY. (Offended) Ohl Of course, of course. (Aside)
At least Genio will make a good thing of it if he marries
that girl. (Aloud) I won't intrude in the least--eh--eh--
eh. But since things are so, (Taking DAMAZY aside) I should
! ! .-,^ '.'■<
- \
- J.OO -
like only one more word to say.
DAMAZY. What's that?
NOTARY. I speak now not as a notary, but as a man.
(In a honied tone) Remember the orphanl
DAMAZY. well, what then?
NOTARY. All legislation protects orphansl when it
comes to a 3haring-don' t wrong heri
DAMAZY. (surprised) What spirit is this speaking
through you?
NOTARY. A voice-from herei (He str^J^ Ms breast. )
DAMAZY. Ah, you're to be congratulatedi (ge offers
his hand. )
1
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